Kiplagat mismanaged the Somali peace process.

Kenyans for Justice and Development officials presented the documents to Public Accounts Committee chair Boni Khalwale.

Pressure has for weeks been mounting for Mr Kiplagat to step down as TJRC chair.

Mr Kiplagat should step aside to allow investigations into the allegations, Mr Agostino Neto and Mr Okiya Omtata told a press conference in Nairobi on Wednesday.

They accused him of auctioning the Somali peace process to “moneyed vested interests” resulting in the creation of a dysfunctional transitional government in Mogadishu.

The lobbyists claimed that Mr Kiplagat hired unqualified people in the Igad Somali national reconciliation secretariat. They further accused the retired diplomat of trading in the process through his NGO, Africa Peace Forum.

Dr Khalwale, who was accompanied by Kinangop MP David Ngugi, assured the lobbyists that his committee would study and act on the documents.
“Personally, I would like to appeal to Mr Kiplagat to listen to his soul and mind and step aside to facilitate investigations into his past conduct,” Dr Khalwale added.

Meet me in court

Contacted, Mr Kiplagat described the claims as ‘‘serious’’ and stated: “My position is clear … if anybody has any allegations against me, they should be ready to meet me in court.”

Elsewhere, retired Anglican Bishop David Gitari for the second time in two weeks on Wednesday defended Mr Kiplagat, describing his critics as ‘‘busy bodies with vested interests in the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission.’’

Dr Gitari, who was speaking at his Kirinyaga South farm, warned of anarchy if the culture of hounding people out of office through protests was left to take root.

He said Mr Kiplagat was a man of integrity and that demanding his resignation would create a dangerous precedent. He challenged those opposed to his appointment to go to court.

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Daily Nation