PERPETRATORS OF CRIMES SHOULD GET NO AMNESTY

THE STANDARD COMMENTARY
NAIROBI, KENYA

OCTOBER 21, 2008

Ambiguity in statements made by political leaders on what should be done about the Waki Commission report is cause for concern.

After initial assurances the report on post-election violence would be given due consideration and most of its recommendations implemented, there have been suggestions that it be "approached with caution".

Deputy PM Musalia Mudavadi has said as much, while Assistant minister Ramadhan Kajembe has gone as far as suggesting forgiving those on Waki’s list of suspects to be handed over to an international tribunal.

Two MPs, Budalang’i’s Ababu Namwamba and Lugari’s Cyrus Jirongo have even had the temerity to suggest the report be shelved. This push must be resisted for the sake of justice.

Both President Kibaki and PM Raila Odinga yesterday pledged to use the Waki report to strengthen our institutions. "We have to ensure that those accountable are held accountable," Raila added. Justice Minister Martha Karua says the Government is committed to this end.

COMMITMENT

But with none addressing the question of a tribunal to probe individual actions, there are worries they may not support it.

Kibaki spoke of "justice... tempered with forgiveness" for past injustices. This must not include glossing over atrocities or forgiving perpetrators. Like Dr Kofi Annan, we back Waki’s call for a special tribunal on the post-election violence. "Protecting perpetrators for the sake of peace", we agree, "doesn’t help society."