Threats to Kenya violence witnesses increase

Threats to witnesses in post-election violence cases have increased since the handing over last week of a list of key suspects to the judges of the International Criminal Court by prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo.

On Monday, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) called for enhanced protection for the witnesses, some of who have already gone into hiding following the threats.

KNCHR said Parliament should speed up the enactment of a law that would provide for an independent agency to protect the witnesses. “If the witnesses are not protected, when Ocampo comes, I assure you there might be nothing to investigate,” KNHCR vice-chairman Hassan Omar said.

According to the executive director of the Eldoret-based Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (CHRD), Mr Ken Wafula, some key witnesses in North Rift had been forced into hiding due to intimidation and harassment. “Some of the witnesses have recorded statements with police in Nandi and Uasin Gishu districts after they received threats to their lives,” he said.

On Monday, another witness from Nandi presented himself to CHRD in Eldoret following death threats over his willingness to testify before the ICC on the post-election violence. “Perpetrators of the violence are determined to interfere with investigations by intimidating key witnesses,” said Mr Wafula as he called for their protection.

“The government should come up with a clear programme on protection of key witnesses to facilitate prosecution of perpetrators of the violence,” he said.

Protection agency

Mr Omar said MPs should speedily pass the Witness Protection (Amendment) Bill 2010 when it comes before them. The passage of this Bill will lead to the formation of an independent witness protection agency. Mr Omar said threats against witnesses were likely to increase as the ICC gets nearer to taking action against key suspects.

Mr Moreno-Ocampo last week presented a list of 20 suspects to judges at the court’s pre-trial chambers, who had asked for more evidence on the atrocities committed in Kenya. He said those pushing for the prosecution of the suspected masterminds of the violence were worried about “repeated, consistent and increased” threats to possible witnesses.