Multi-agency taskforce on PEV begins sittings

Written By:Wangari Kanyongo/VPPS,    Posted: Fri, Feb 10, 2012

There are approximately 6,082 cases comprising cases pending trial, pending further investigations and concluded cases the details where of will be revealed in due course. The multi-agency task force created by the office of the Public Prosecution to re-evaluate the 2007-2008 Post Election Violence (PEV) cases has finally started its sittings. The DPP constituted the taskforce to review, re-evaluate and re-examine all PEV cases with a view to making appropriate recommendations. The taskforce chairperson Deputy Director of Public prosecution Dorcas Oduor says the team is expected to formulate the way forward in dealing with the cases. Speaking to journalists after its maiden meeting Friday, Oduor said that the investigative process has been ongoing since the violence broke out adding that the move to bring together various criminal justice agencies  involved in looking into the cases was aimed at coming up with the best way to deal with them. "The taskforce is comprised of officers drawn from State law office, Ministry of Justice National Cohesion and constitutional affairs, Kenya Police Service, Witness Protection agency and ODDPP. These officers are experts in criminal justice and human right issue." She said dealing with the cases will require concerted efforts to ensure that justice is served. The taskforce is committed to ensuring that it carries its mandate professionally, independently, fairly, objectively and expeditiously and where necessary call upon the public to assist. Meanwhile, vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has urged leaders in the country to engage in activities aimed at promoting national healing and reconciliation among Kenyans ahead of the next General Election. Mr. Musyoka said leaders should be at the forefront in promoting peace and reconciliation and avoid activities which can interfere with harmonious relations among Kenyans. Speaking Friday at Gesima open grounds in Kitutu Masaba Constituency during the burial of mzee Joseph Ogeto, Mr. Musyoka said tribalism has become a major stumbling block in the fight against negative ethnicity. The Vice President hailed the move by leaders and elders from the Kalenjin and Gusii communities' efforts in preaching peace and reconciliation among members of the two communities who were affected by 2008 post election violence. "I must commend efforts by Kalenjin and Abagusii elders in ensuring peace prevails at the border of the two communities round the clock,'' said Mr. Musyoka. He said that with the enactment of the new constitution all national resources will be equally allocated to the counties thus taking services closer to the people. He said in the new the constitution; the devolved units are entitled to15 percent of national budgetary allocation annually. Mr. Musyoka emphasized on the need for Kenyans to elect leaders who are committed to peace and development at both the county and national level. The Vice President reaffirmed his earlier call that the next General Election be held in December this year. He said days are gone when leaders used election dates for their political gains by taking Kenyans for a ride by hiding election dates. "One cannot play a hide and seek game by hiding the election date for election for his political gains,'' said Mr. Musyoka. He dismissed claims that he is a weak candidate as far as Kenyan politics are concerned. "I can only agree that I might be weak in stealing public resources or anything to do with corruption. Yes, I am not good when it comes to stealing public resources. Maybe this is my greatest weakness,'' he said. He noted that a section of leaders have called him all sorts of names and promised to answer them this Sunday at a rally to be held in Machakos township. Mr. Musyoka urged Kenyans to elect leaders who are serious in uniting the country which is divided on tribal and political backgrounds if we are to achieve a united country free from tribalism. He emphasised on the need for Kenyans to regard each other as brothers and sisters and engage in peaceful activities to avert situation like the one witnessed after the 2007 General Election. Mr. Musyoka said it is the constitutional right of all Kenyans to live and own property in any part of this country without any fear. He described the late mzee Ogeto as a close family friend who gad greatly participated in the development of this country and whose services will be greatly missed by not only members of his family but Kenyans in general. Kitutu Masaba MP Walter Nyambati and former MP Jimmy Angwenyi called on Kenyans to engage in peaceful activities ahead of the next elections. They urged Kenyans to rally behind Mr. Musyoka's presidential bid saying he was a peaceful leader who is well placed to unite all the Kenyan communities irrespective of tribal and political affiliations if given the opportunity to lead this country.