PEV victims get Sh10bn fund
What you need to know:
- “I have instructed the Treasury to establish a fund of Sh10 billion over the next three years to be used for restorative justice. This will provide a measure of relief and will underscore my government’s goodwill,” he stated.
- This method had worked where retributive justice could not be delivered, especially in cases where the conflicts have a communal and political dimension, he said.
- He apologised, on behalf of the government and sought forgiveness from the hundreds of Kenyans who suffered in the hands of past governments, saying it was the only way the country could move forward.
President Kenyatta has ordered the establishment of a Sh10 billion fund to assist victims of the 2007/2008 post-election violence.
In his second State of the Nation address in Parliament Thursday, Mr Kenyatta said the fund, to be established within the next three years, will help the violence victims to resettle, reconcile and rebuild their lives.
“I have instructed the Treasury to establish a fund of Sh10 billion over the next three years to be used for restorative justice. This will provide a measure of relief and will underscore my government’s goodwill,” he stated.
The establishment of the fund is based on the fact that it may be difficult to successfully prosecute perpetrators of the violence.
He noted that the report of the Director of Public Prosecutions on the violence had expressed reservations regarding the successful prosecution of the perpetrators.
The challenges ranged from inadequate evidence, inability to identify the culprits, witnesses’ fear of reprisals, and the general lack of technical and forensic capacity at the time.
During the violence, 1,133 people were killed more than 600,000 displaced.
RESTORATIVE APPROACH
“Nonetheless, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions recognises there were victims and recommends that these cases be dealt with using restorative approaches,” Mr Kenyatta told attentive MPs and senators.
This method had worked where retributive justice could not be delivered, especially in cases where the conflicts have a communal and political dimension, he said.
Mr Kenyatta also announced the setting up of a state department that will dedicate itself to implementing strategic initiatives in marginalised and at-risk regions and populations.
He apologised, on behalf of the government and sought forgiveness from the hundreds of Kenyans who suffered in the hands of past governments, saying it was the only way the country could move forward.
“To move forward as one nation I stand before you today on my own behalf, that of my government and all past governments, to offer the sincere apology of the government of the Republic of Kenya, to all our compatriots, for all past wrongs.
“I seek your forgiveness and may God give us the Grace to draw on the lessons of this history to unite as a people and, together, to embrace our future as one people and one nation,” he said.
