Truth team recruits victims of historical injustices

The Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission has recruited more than 100 victims and survivors of historical injustices as a way of winning their support.

“The Commission has fulfilled its part of our MOU earlier this year to engage victims in its work as part of reparation program and to restore the dignity of the victims and to empower them,” a statement read by former student leader, Wafula Buke who suffered atrocities during the Moi regime said.

Most of the victims, including close family members of former freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi and slain politician JM Kariuki, are to serve as statement takers.

Torture victims and others had rejected the formation of TJRC with former ambassador Bethuel Kiplagat at its helm and demanded for its disbandment.

But the move to engage some of the victims announced yesterday by Mr Buke, TJRC vice-chair Tecla Namachanja and commissioner Ahmed Farah boosted the team’s effort.
“We followed the right procedure in recruitment, some had applied while we solicited others from civil society. We appreciate the struggle of the victims. Many suffered historical injustices,” Ms Namachanja told a press briefing at TJRC offices at Delta House in Nairobi on Thursday.

Responding to opposition to TJRC work including an earlier call by Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs Minister Mutula Kilonzo for its disbandment, Mr Farah said: “Its Kenyans culture to oppose things. Some victims even joined former President Moi who tortured them in campaigning against the new constitution.”

Through National Network of Victims and Survivors said his team brings to TJRC a spirit of commitment to the causes of justice, truth and patriotism.

“Our engagement with the commission is motivated by a realization that this process of seeking the truth about the past is critical if our country is to realize the beckoning dream of new political dispensation,” Mr Buke said.

He also called on other government agencies to “embrace the spirit of reconciliation demonstrated by the commission by employing qualified freedom fighters of demonstrated integrity contrary to the current practice where participants in the struggle are stigmatized.”

Mr Buke cited TJRC work in Mt Elgon where locals suffered in the hands of Sabaot Land Defense Force and government security agencies as a sign that the commission is capable of delivering on its mandate.
Mr Buke’s team also appealed to other civil society organisations to assist TJRC in national healing, reconciliation and ensuring justice.

“We appreciate the discomfort of some sections of the civil society who fear that the institutionalization of this redress mechanism against human rights violations and historical injustices may undermine their lifelines,” Mr Buke said.
He said the “dissenting voices” within the NGO sector should be guided by spirit patriotism and ultimate good for victims and survivors.

Mr Buke also called for sacking of Attorney General Amos Wako for appealing against a court’s order for government to pay former detainees Sh40 million.

Others who signed statement read by Mr Buke were National Network of Victims and Survivors coordinator, Wachira Waheire and victims and survivors Njuguna Mutahi, Moses Khaemba, Paul Amina, Mohammed Abdinoor and Sylvanus Oduor.