The Kenyan TJRC
An Outsider's View from the Inside

Takes a behind the scenes look at the debates and decisions of the Kenyan Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission.

Ronald C. Slye (Author), Desmond Tutu (Foreword by)

9781108434508, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 19 July 2018

308 pages, 6 b/w illus. 1 map
22.7 x 15.3 x 1.7 cm, 0.46 kg

'This fascinating book delves into the fissures that emerged among the commissioners, why the international members of the commission issued a dissent from some of the body's findings, and the broader implications of the commission's work for Kenya and other postconflict societies. Slye's book makes for compelling reading, whether he is discussing the personal foibles of the commissioners, the backroom negotiations and compromises that mark such work, the legal issues involved, or the broader context of Kenyan politics.' Nicolas van de Walle, Foreign Affairs

Between 1963 and 2008 Kenya experienced systematic atrocities, economic crimes, ethnic violence, and the illegal taking of land. To come to terms with these historical injustices and gross violations of human rights, the Kenyan Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) was established. From the perspective of an insider and academic expert, The Kenyan TJRC: An Outsider's View from the Inside reveals for the first time the debates and decisions made within the Commission, including how the Kenyan Commission became the first such commission to recommend that its Chair be prosecuted for gross violations of human rights. This book is one of the few insider accounts of a truth commission, and one of the few that reflects on the limitations and opportunities of such a commission. The Kenyan TJRC provides lessons and recommendations to those interested in addressing historical injustices through a truth commission process. The full copy of the Final Report of the Kenyan TJRC, along with other supporting documents, can be found at the following site: https://digitalcommons.law.seattleu.edu/tjrc/

List of maps, photos and cartoons
Foreword by Desmond Tutu
Acknowledgements
Timeline
Introduction
1. The end game
2. The most expansive mandate
3. The elephant in the room
4. I am Kenyan: voices of the Wanachi
5. The elephant returns
6. Ships passing in the night: the ICC, the Kenyan government, and the TJRC
Index.

Subject Areas: Government powers [LNDH], Human rights & civil liberties law [LNDC], International human rights law [LBBR], International law [LB], Law [L], Human rights [JPVH], Political control & freedoms [JPV], Political science & theory [JPA], Society & social sciences [J], Regional studies [GTB]