STATEMENT TAKERS TRAINED

The Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission Wednesday began training statement takers in Mount Elgon district.

39 statement takers were recruited from all the divisions of the district and will undergo a two day intense training , interacting with the Commissioners before being sworn in on Thursday.

The training at Kapsokwony County Town Hall, covers roles and responsibilities, human rights, mapping of violations as well as the nature of conflict in Mount Elgon.

Led by Vice Chair Tecla Namachanja Wanjala, the Commissioners laid particular emphasis on the crucial role that statement takers play in the delivery of the Commission's work.

"The documentation that you are undertaking is a key pillar of the Commission's work as it will help determine the basis and foundation of the history of Kenya. It will also guide the decision on areas which hearings will be based in this region," Commissioner Gertrude Chawatama said.

In her remarks, Commissioner Margaret Shava stressed the need for statement takers to be accurate and inclusive of both victims and perpetrators.

"Write exactly what people are telling you without embellishment or judgment. You must also recognise the need to ensure for confidentiality as the information you are receiving could endanger not only yourself but the person who gave it to you should you break that secrecy," Ms Shava said.

Vice Chairperson, Tecla Wanjala said she was working to establish clear timelines of violence in Mt Elgon.

"We have set up a committee of 5 elders from Mt Elgon with whom we shall draw up the timelines of violence Elgonians suffered especially between 1968 and 2008. This will cover dates, causes and issues of the conflict, its impact and the actors," Ms Wanjala said.

The training ends on Thursday after which the statement takers will be sworn in and freed to carry out their work over the next two weeks.