Kenya: U.S. Scolds Kenya for Tribunal Failure

Nairobi — The United States has scolded Kenya for its failure to establish a local tribunal to try post-election violence suspects.

In a statement, the US said the cabinet decision to amend the Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission and reform the country judicial structure was not enough.

"Merely expanding the role of the Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission and establishing a mechanism within the existing judicial structure is not a credible approach in the eyes of the Kenyan people and the international community."

The Embassy statement said that to fight impunity "an independent, credible process of accountability for all forms of politically motivated violence," is crucial.

The United States will "take the necessary steps to hold accountable those who do not support the reform agenda or who support violence," added the terse statement.

Last week, the Cabinet resolved to go the way of national healing and reconciliation as a way of dealing with suspects of post election violence that left at least 1,000 killed and 350,000 others displaced from their homes.