Politics
Kiplagat abandons tough talk
The Truth Justice and Reconciliation commission chairman Bethwel Kiplagat (left) with US Ambassador Michael Ranneberger during a youth forum on Agenda Four on March 5, 2010. Photo/JENNIFER MUIRURI
Posted Friday, March 5 2010 at 22:30
Embattled Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission chairman Bethuel Kiplagat on Friday softened his stance, saying he would seek forgiveness from Kenyans if proven guilty of any wrongdoing in the past.
“If I made a mistake, then I will ask for forgiveness but it is important that we stop wasting time on enmity and build an atmosphere of truth, justice and reconciliation,” Mr Kiplagat said at a Kenya Youth Development Trust conference.
Mr Kiplagat said his experience in diplomacy and reconciliation work in Sudan, Mozambique and other war-torn countries compelled him to apply for the TJRC job and Kenyans should help him to take forward the work.
Warmed up
US Ambassador Michael Ranneberger warmed up to Mr Kiplagat, saying he had had an outstanding career and was among the first Kenyans to help seek ways to end the post-elections violence in 2008. “I wish you well,” Mr Ranneberger said.
Mr Kiplagat and Mr Ranneberger concurred that the post-election violence was caused by tribal bitterness and intrigues where the youth were used as foot soldiers by politicians who later dumped them when their interests were accomplished.
Executive director of the Committee of Experts drafting the new constitution, Dr Ekuro Aukot told youths:
“Are you being driven in GK Passats now, or is traffic being stopped for you to pass? Why allow yourselves to be used by these politicians?” he queried.
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Submitted by theanalystPosted March 07, 2010 11:12 AM
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Submitted by ndiranguh
i still insist, this TJRC should start its hearings from when the British invaded(colonized) Kenya not from 1963! to me it looks like the British did nothing wrong during their invasion.only after 1963 did things begin to wrong.
Posted March 07, 2010 05:02 AM -
Submitted by kirigitikiao
@kingaiya Thanks for saying it right! Kiplagat Bwana, what do you think the agrieved people will feel when they stand before you? Dr. Ouko's family may want you to answer some questions. The civil society wants you out. Please note that we may want to sue you for holding the due process of law unfairly as Kenyans are engrossed in discussing your exit. Will you compensate those waiting for reparation for delaying justice?
Posted March 07, 2010 12:11 AM -
Submitted by kosulta
Fellow young people,it is good to get varying views and opinions on issues as well as personalities, BUT let us be careful with the words we use to write about old people! We might attract a curse in the process!!!! david65 has an interesting comment, his English not withstanding!
Posted March 06, 2010 09:24 PM -
Submitted by Ukweliwamambo
Individuals need to speak for themselves and not hide behind "Kenyans have lost confidence in so and so". It might be factually true as more than 1 Kenyan is "Kenyans".But the way the word is now being used, one would think a poll had been taken and ALL Kenyans had indicated their lack of confidence.
Posted March 06, 2010 07:47 PM
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@ frank2009, are you understanding Dr. aukots sentence? obviously not, let me break it down to you cause it seems you have no idea. He is simply telling the youth not to be used by politicians to kill people because at the end of the day it is the politicians who are being driven in passats and you the youth are still walking in the dust with a hungry stomach, alone, broke and powerless