Kenya Truth team to begin work despite suit

The Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission will proceed with its planned activities despite a court case against it.

Vice-chairman Betty Murungi said the commission had not received court orders limiting the operations.

“We acknowledge the rights of Kenyans to go to court,” she said in apparent reference to a court case by a group calling itself Kenyans Against Impunity, who are challenging the appointment of the commissioners.

“I will, however, not comment further on the issue since it is before the courts, but let it be known that we have not received any orders from the courts limiting our operations,” she added.

She spoke as members of the commission unveiled their work plan, which officially begins next week with the launch of a provincial tour to introduce themselves to the public.

Eight provinces

From January 28, the team will visit all the eight provinces, listening to Kenyans and educating them on their mandate and expectations.

Their first stop will be Coast Province before moving to key towns in North Eastern, Eastern, Rift Valley, Western, Nyanza, Central and Nairobi provinces, in a process expected to take at least eight weeks.

While addressing journalists in Nairobi on Thursday, the commission’s chairman, Mr Bethuel Kiplagat, said the first phase of their engagement with the public “was not to hold hearings or take statements” but to ensure a clear understanding of the TJRC’s mandate, the delivery process and manner of engagement.