Kenya: Truth, Justice and Reconciliation as Elusive as Ever

A recent statement by Kenyan Justice Minister Kiraitu Murungi that it was ”no longer necessary” for the country to establish a commission to investigate atrocities committed under previous governments was greeted with both outrage and delight. The promise to set up such a body, modeled on South Africa's internationally acclaimed inquiry into rights abuses that occurred during apartheid, was one of the key pledges made during the current head of state's campaign for office. President Mwai Kibaki and his National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) were elected to power in December 2002.