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"content": "In order to effectively discharge its mandate, the Commission has recruited both technical and administrative personnel to facilitate efficient implementation of its activities. The Commission has further recruited 300 statement takers who have been deployed across the country. The Commission projects that by the end of the five months, they will have collected approximately 50,000 statements. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Commission has also initiated preparatory work of the initial phase of hearings in Mt. Elgon District and North Eastern Province as those are also areas in respect of which I have, as Minister, received complaints. The Commission has also developed tools which will be used to solicit submissions from the public, and which will form the basis of the institutional and thematic hearings. Further, the Commission has developed and published its internal policies and rules. It has also developed policies on gender, children, reparations and reconciliations. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, based on the work-plan developed by the Commission, and the activities undertaken this far, the TJRC, as far as I can tell, and subject to the complaints that I have received, which are receiving attention; the Commission is delivering its mandate. That is also subject to the outcome of the findings of the Tribunal that the Chief Justice has appointed. However, the Commission will require more financial support, and I would like to appeal to this House to support us when we request for further funding in the next Supplementary Estimates. I have also appealed to donors and well wishers to support this Commission through funding and the matter is under debate. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, another clarification sought is 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. The Ministry is unaware of any such strategy but if there is, I want to tell those who might be interested in formulating such a strategy that they are wasting their time. As indicated, the Government is interested in the success of the Commission. The Government has no intention whatsoever to cushion anyone who may have committed crimes against people. In fact, if it emerges that there are weaknesses in the mandate of the Commission, I will not hesitate to come to this House to seek an amendment to the law to give them more teeth. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Government is dedicated to deal comprehensively with impunity. Further, we need to remind ourselves that this Commission does not belong to the Government, but to the people of Kenya. All Kenyans, including the private sector, civil society, political parties, Members of Parliament and religious organisations need to support the work of the Commission. I want to say that I deeply regret the false start that the Commission had, but I am now satisfied that if we get the funding we require, this Commission will be able to deliver. Thank you."
}