Civil society moves to block support for TJRC

Business

By James Ratemo and Peter Opiyo

Civil society groups have written to the European Union, the US and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) urging them not to support the Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC).

The activists pressed for the resignation of committee chairman Bethwel Kiplagat, accusing him over past injustices including the infamous Wagalla massacre and land grabbing.

Addressing journalists yesterday, Centre for Multi-Party Democracy, Haki-Focus and International Centre for Policy and Conflict officials said the commission has not earned public confidence.

"The Ndung’u report on land links him (Kiplagat) to acquisition of land in Kileleshwa, he attended a high level meeting that allegedly planned the Wagalla massacre and has in the past suffered credibility test in international peace process in Mozambique," said Centre for Multi-Party Democracy Executive Director Njeri Kabeberi.

In his book, Blood on the Runway: The Wagalla Massacre of 1984, Abjad Xudayi tells readers that as Foreign Affairs PS, Kiplagat participated in a meeting on or around February 7 and 8, which is alleged to have ordered the actions leading to the massacre, in which about 3,000 people died.

TJRC chairman Bethwel Kiplagat

The groups said all the other commissioners should also resign for siding with the chairman.

In the Ndung’u land report, Kiplagat allegedly grabbed Sh50 million Government house in 1988. The property (LR No 3734/83 Area 0.354 Ha. Government file No 49958) belonged to the East African Community before it was dissolved in 1977.

Refutes claims

But in a telephone Interview with The Standard, Kiplagat vehemently refuted the claims and also wondered why the civil society was now demanding that all other TJRC commissioners resign.

"Well as far as I know I do not own land in Kileleshwa. I had a small piece in Lavington, which I sold... I don’t remember how much I bought it at, it was close to 20 years ago, but I was not allocated for free, I bought it," The TJRC chairman argued.

He added: "Now that they [civil society] have mentioned all the other commissioners, I will sit down with them so we agree whether to issue a statement or not. But as I have said before, I have never attended a meeting that organised the Wagalla massacre nor received a petition from the Release Political Prisoners while I was High Commissioner in UK," he said.

Meanwhile, Speaker Kenneth Marende has authorised the publication of a crucial Bill that would assist victims of historical injustices get justice.

The Indemnity (Repeal) Bill, authored by Nominated MP Mohamed Affey seeks to repeal a provision in the Indemnity Act that prohibits the victims from getting compensation.

Mr Affey praised the move, saying it would help the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission.

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