Wako should probe officers behind renditions to Uganda, Mutula says

By David Ochami

Justice Minister Mutula Kilonzo wants Attorney General Amos Wako to investigate State officials over the recent renditions of Kenyans to Uganda.

The minister said judges who make rulings against illegal renditions should include specific orders against officers who perpetrate the crime.

Mr Mutula also urged the aggrieved families to demand information from the Government on the identities of those who illegally sent their kin to Uganda.

"Our laws do not permit extra-judicial renditions. Arrested people have the right to be presented to a Kenyan court and only the court can allow such extraditions," he said.

He said his office could not negotiate the Kenyans’ return because that was within the province of the AG and other State offices. He added the AG’ office was the custodian of the rule of law and in charge of prosecution.

Several organisations, including the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem), the National Muslim Leaders Forum, and the Jamia Masjid Committee met the minister yesterday at Nairobi’s Jamia Mosque to discuss the renditions, enforcement of several international treaties following the promulgation of the new Constitution, and role of ministers and State officers in party politics.

Supken officials Yusuf Murigu, Adan Wachu and Osman Warfa of the Jamia Masjid Committee led the delegation.

Nominated MP Sheikh Dor Mohamed Yakub, and Hassan Omar of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights were also present.

The 13 Kenyans were taken to Uganda in connection to the bombings that killed about 80 people in Kampala.

But two High Court judges have termed the renditions illegal and queried Government commitment to safeguarding freedom of Kenyans.

In one ruling, Justice Aggrey Muchelule said terrorism action cannot be invoked to justify rendition of Kenyan suspects to Uganda.