by Willice Okoth Onyango
After the post-election violence that erupted in 2007 and the signing of a peace agreement, Kenya has made tremendous efforts to build a strong democracy and promote social peace and reconciliation. As part of these efforts, the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) was established in 2008 by an Act of Parliament to investigate the gross human rights violations and other historical injustices that occurred in Kenya between 12 December 1963 and 28 February 2008, with the aim of promoting truth, justice, peace, national unity, and healing in the country. The International Youth Council of Kenya is working with the International Centre of Transitional Justice towards the launch of the child friendly version of the TJRC report.
We might not know the actual number of the children who suffered in Kenya because some of them died. Some were unable to tell their stories. Others decided to be quiet because there was nobody to tell their stories or they had no words in which to express how they felt. However, there are others who have been brave enough to risk reliving that moment through the stories they have been able to tell in various forums.
Approximately 2,000 children came to tell their stories to the TJRC. These children showed enormous courage by coming forward and sharing their experiences and concerns with the Commissioners. Some spoke about being poor, being orphaned or having to flee their homes to escape violence. Others spoke about the physical and sexual abuse they faced and about not being protected by adults. Some spoke about the effects of tribalism and conflict in their lives. They remind Kenya's adults and leaders that children have experienced too much pain, hardship and loss. Key issues that emerged are identity, belonging, and what it means to be Kenyan. Historically, there are gallant Kenyans who have stood up and fought for democracy. The experience from these children begs the question: What does it mean to live in an emerging democracy as a child? The challenge is to face this violent past and forge a cohesive and just future that guarantees better lives and safety and gives more opportunities for children to become who they want to be.
If we cannot support those from different groups, then the Poem by a priest during the time Germany was ruled by Nazis will remain true:
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out--Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out--Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out-- Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me--and there was no one left to speak for me.
Children interviewed by the TJRC were asked to make recommendations after they told their stories. They said they want the Government to help with education because children did not vote or were not voted for therefore don't deserve the pain inflicted on them. They would like the Government protect them so that there will be no clashes like the previous ones and that the clashes will never be there again forever. They would like the Government to provide them with school fees, make sure people reconcile and hear them.
If the children are not heard and taken seriously, then the story of a young girl who testified to the Commission with her brother can offer a glimpse into the future: Caught in the violence of 2007 when he was only 5 years old, the life of this child was radically changed by what he experienced. When he told his story to the TJCR he was 10 years old. He still felt much anger and pain. This girl described to the Commissioners how, after they had to leave the house fearing the clashes, her brother was brutally attacked and seriously injured by a group of attackers who cut off his leg. Separated from his family, the police only found him 3 days later hidden in a nearby church. He was hurt and hadn't eaten food during all this time.
After hearing the very hard story narrated by her sister, the Commission Secretary, Ms. Nyaundi, addressed the boy directly:
I would also like to ask you, those people who came and chopped off your leg, when you try to recall, which action could you suggest to be taken against them.
[Child]: They should be killed.
After he finished speaking, the Acting Chair of the session, Commissioner Namachanja, added:
Thank you very much, my young boy. I am very sorry for what you went through. Maybe, I will ask you one question; when you grow up, you will be very tall and fat. When you meet those people who chopped off your leg, what do you think you would do to them?
[Child]: I will kill him.
Willice Okoth Onyango is currently working as a consultant and as the chairperson of the International Youth Council of Kenya. He holds a Bachelors of Science degree in International Diplomacy and Disaster Management. Email: willice.okoth@gmail.com Twitter: owillice