Wagalla Massacre survivors protest possible Kiplagat return

By Standard Reporter

The victims of Wagalla Massacre claim Bethuel Kiplagat could be coming back to chair the Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) through the back door.

In a statement sent to The Standard, the groups led by Bishar Ismail for the Wagalla Massacre Foundation Trust　and Nur Osman for TBT Network said the government is not serious in resolving past human rights violations.

Roble Mohammed (Centre) at a Nairobi Hotel during a press conference where the Wagalla Massacre survivors protested Kiplagat's possible return as TJRC chair. With him is chair Bishar Ismail (left) of Wagalla Massacre Foundation Trust and Nur Osman (right) of The Truth Be Told Network.[Photo: Courtesy]

The statement says following the collapse of the Tribunal to investigate Kiplagat’s conduct, there is concern that the commission, which was created as a credible truth-seeking process to address the dark past has been compromised.

"In the early stages, the TJRC was mired in controversy over the credibility of the chairman, and the haphazard manner in which the commissioners were nominated. These concerns led to the withdrawal of support from the civil society and many victims," the statement read in part.

"After spirited campaign Kiplagat agreed to the establishment of a tribunal under the TJRC Act to investigate his conduct. However the beleaguered chair immediately started fighting the tribunal."

The core argument advanced by Kiplagat is that his past conduct cannot be a subject of inquiry at the tribunal.

"The Tribunal’s time has now lapsed and once the court makes a decision next month, Kiplagat will be back to the TJRC," said the group.

"Kiplagat faces several allegations impinging on his conduct. He has testified in the TJRC as a witness to the Wagalla Massacre of 1984," Ismail says.

"It is now established that he, in his capacity as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs attended a meeting at Wajir District Commissioner’s Office on February 8, 1984, barely 24 hours before the infamous Wagalla Massacre commenced."

The victims of Wagalla Massacre and Kenyans feel that Kiplagat should have resigned and left the position for another credible Kenyan.

The statement signed by Ismail and Osman says Kiplagat continues to enjoy benefits of the office including a reported salary of Sh800,000 per month, telephone allowance and other perks, totaling Sh8 million since November 2010 during the intervening period.

The group urges President Kibaki, Prime Minister Raila Odinda and Parliament to enhance the credibility of the TJRC by removing Kiplagat from the position of chair.

They also propose that a respected and qualified Kenyan, acceptable to the victims and survivors of historical injustices replaces him.