TJRC wants politicians charged over crimes

By Patrick Beja

Mombasa, Kenya: The Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) has recommended prosecution of prominent Kenyans for past crimes in its final report to be presented to Kenya’s new President on May 3.

A commissioner, Major General (Rtd) Ahmed Sheikh Farah disclosed in Mombasa on Monday that they have taken 43,000 statements where 54,000 people, including key politicians, are adversely mentioned.

He said 650 of the statements are credible and the Commission had sent letters to alleged perpetrators of past crimes.

He said key perpetrators of past injustices include commanders of security and military forces deployed on operations in Kenya, but added they would be offered amnesty if they make a full disclosure of what happened. He spoke at the Coast PC’s boardroom during training for members of the district peace committees.

“Between now and then we can hear out people depending on the sensitivity of the matter,” Farah said.

TJRC’s Chief Executive Officer Tom Aziz Chavangi and Mombasa County peace co-coordinator Irine Randu among commission officials attended. Ms Randu said TJRC prefers alternative resolution and procedural legal structures to solve pending land disputes and advocates rights-based processes for land acquisition and ownership. The peace committee members recommended credible resource mobilisation and management before, during and after the March 4 elections.

Farah said the commission had identified Kilifi, Kwale and Mombasa as some of the hotspots where peace building is urgently required.

Peace initiative

He said the commission was impressed by the return of peace since many members of the Mombasa Republican Council (MRC) had ignored earlier calls to boycott the elections.

He said he got reports that many MRC members including Chairman Omar Mwamnwadzi, had registered as voters.

“We are glad MRC members registered and they will vote,” Farah said. He claimed MRC members have finally realised devolution was best.

He said land topped the list of grievances at the Coast and the Rift Valley, but the issues could be passed over to the National Land Commission for action. Farah said the TJRC report had been delayed by bureaucracy in Government including late release of funds for its operations.