House agrees to repeal law on injustices

MPs voted to scrap the law shielding soldiers from prosecution over past human rights violations.

It was a big win for the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission, when Parliament on Wednesday deleted the Indemnity Act from the country’s laws.

The Indemnity (Repeal) Act quashes the law passed in 1972 aimed at shielding public officials and soldiers from civil or criminal liability, regarding human rights violations in the course of security operations.

The decision was spearheaded by Mr Mohammed Affey (nominated, ODM) who had argued that the law was an obstacle to unearthing the truth behind injustices committed in the country since independence.

The House unanimously endorsed the Bill that seeks to repeal the Act. It now goes to President Kibaki for the assent.