TJRC reaches out to Mt Elgon victims

Victims of past injustices in Mt Elgon have been urged to testify so that the Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) can make a comprehensive report.

The commission’s chief executive, Mrs Patricia Nyaundi, said many victims were reluctant to testify. Speaking at Cheptais, Mrs Nyaundi said statement takers will spend two weeks in the area.

“We have taken a keen interest in this area because many injustices have been meted out on the people,” she said.

She encouraged women to testify because they suffered the worst abuses. “All that was reported were the burnt houses and displaced people but nothing was mentioned of the women who were raped,” she said.

Mrs Nyaundi claimed more than 5,000 women and girls were raped. She said the commission had five months to take statements before the start of public hearings in January next year.

The regional director of ActionAid, Mr Nickson Otieno, said they had trained 25 statement takers to work with the TJRC. Area MP Fred Kapondi urged residents to speak without fear of victimisation.

However, many residents asked to be taken to safe houses before giving statements. The victims claimed they were being threatened by those who allegedly committed atrocities against them.

“We are aware of spies among us. Some of them are former SLDF members,” said a victim who sought anonymity.