Protect chaos witnesses, says UK minister

By Peter Opiyo

The United Kingdom is calling for the protection of post-election violence witnesses so they can testify in courts when called upon.

This follows concerns by human rights groups that 22 potential witnesses who gave evidence during the Justice Philip Waki Commission’s sittings are living in fear.

UK Minister for African Affairs Baroness Glenys Kinnock said: "There are concerns that witnesses may be nervous. They should feel safe. There should be no intimidation.

In an interview with The Standard, Kinnock said the witnesses needed assurance of their safety.

Though there is a Witness Protection law, some politicians and civil society groups have argued it has loopholes that need to be plugged.

Kinnock, who also met President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga last week, called on political leaders to honour promises made to the electorate.

Kenya, she said, had registered considerable progress on reforms, but more efforts should be put, adding her country had spent Sh147 million towards peace building.

The UK is also the leading donor to the implementation of the national accord with a £2.6 million (Sh319 million) contribution.

Kinnock also underscored the important role the civil society and youth groups play in the push for the implementation of the reform agenda.

A delegation of civil society leaders and other youth leaders are currently in Washington DC on the invitation of the US as an important component in the drive for the implementation of reforms.