An open letter to vice-chair Betty Murungi

You know this means packing it with political cronies from diverse ethnicities and religions. Such a move will only make it a bigger nightmare. The state intends to add the post-election violence to your mandate so that you can absolve warlords who planned and funded crimes against humanity of criminal responsibility.

That is why Cabinet ministers who have always opposed a truth commission now passionately support it. Madam, unless you exit quickly, your stellar legacy in human rights will be blotted by an irremovable stain. You have taken the kithitu on the Biblia but you can still walk out before it is too late.

Let me conclude with the swearing-in picture. It is reminiscent of George Orwell’s Animal Farm. The world is turned upside down and the pigs, who don’t believe in reform, purport to lead the country towards truth, justice and reconciliation. That is what is so surreal about you in that picture with the trio of Mr Kilonzo, Mr Gicheru and Mr Kiplagat.

Makau Mutua is Dean and SUNY Distinguished Professor at the State University