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    "id": 71848,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/71848/?format=api",
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    "content": "(iv) He wanted to know whether the TJRC is on course in discharging its mandate. (v) Whether there is a deliberate strategy by some influential and powerful people either within the Government or with strong connections to high echelons of power to cripple and eventually collapse the TJRC, so as to cushion themselves against some of the crimes they fear, they might have committed against Kenyans. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, allow me to respond as follows:- (1)The official position of the Government of Kenya towards the TJRC is as follows. In order to promote national reconciliation and healing, the Government of Kenya made a commitment to establish a transitional justice mechanism that would facilitate the country’s transition from repression to democracy and seek to address human right violations, divisions of the past and address historical injustices. In this regard, the TJRC was established by the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Act to deal with some of the transgressions against the people of Kenya that could not properly be addressed by other judicial institutions. The Commission was expected to provide a forum that would enable Kenyans to deal with historical injustices in a free and reconciliatory manner. You will recall that shortly after this Commission was established, there was a campaign, mainly by the civil society organizations, that challenged the credibility and legitimacy of the TJRC. The credibility questions as we all know were mainly targeting the person of the Chair of the TJRC. Subsequently, and as a sign of protest, two Commissioners resigned, citing the credibility question around the Chair. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, on 9th November, this year, vide gazette notice No.13/202 of 2010, the hon. Chief Justice of Republic of Kenya appointed members of a tribunal to investigate the conduct of the Chairman of the TJRC, Ambassador, Bethwel Kiplagat. You recall with me that these are difficult circumstances to deal with especially arising from a Commission that is supposed to instil public confidence in the governance institution and that is mandated to deal with impunity. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I hasten to add that speaking as line Minister, I was a little disappointed by the delay in the Chief Justice making up his mind whether to appoint this tribunal or not. From the onset and despite these challenges, the Government has continued to offer unwavering support to the Commission. These commitments for support have not changed as the Government holds the firm belief that the TJRC is one of the key institutions, if not the key institution for the social renewal, reform of the state and creation of a better nation. In this regard, the Government has continued to respect the functional independence of the Commission and has allowed the Commission to discharge its duties without any interference. The Government does not intend to renege on its support to the Commission and would continue to provide support, provided the Commission continues to conduct its affairs with integrity, transparency and fairness to all intents. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, let me again say as the line Minister that I have called on the Right Hon. Chief Justice to reduce the period of this tribunal from five months to three months. I have not yet received a response, but I am sure he has heard me."
}