The Government and our EU partners continue to be concerned about the political and human rights situation in Kenya. In its statement to the 53rd Session of the Commission on Human Rights in Geneva earlier this month the Union expressed these concerns in terms of the need for the Kenyan Government to take steps without delay to improve the administration of justice, amend legislation which could impede the holding of free and fair elections and create a political climate which would allow the various political parties to function more freely. While welcoming the undertakings for constitutional reform given by the Kenyan authorities, the Government and our European partners now wish to see concrete action taken on these matters.In the perspective of the general election to take place in Kenya later this year, we will continue our efforts in support of an inclusive democratic process in that country with full regard for human rights and the rule of law.
Ireland's concerns about the process of democratisation and human rights in Kenya have been made more acute by the tragic killing of the Irish Franciscan missionary, Brother Larry Timmons, during an armed robbery at his compound in Lare in the early hours of 22 January. Before his death, Brother Timmons had been active in highlighting injustices in the issuing of identity cards for use during the forthcoming elections. As the House will be aware from my Adjournment statement on this matter of 29 January, a member of the local administrative police has been charged with the murder of Brother Timmons and the Kenyan authorities have promised a full investigation into the incident. The Minister for the Environment, Deputy Howlin, discussed the matter directly with the Kenyan Foreign Minister, Mr. Stephen Musyoka, in Nairobi on 6 February. The Government has also raised it with its EU partners and is continuing to monitor it closely through our Honorary Consul in Nairobi.
The Government is also concerned at reports of harassment in Kenya of church personnel working at local level in the justice and human rights areas. In particular, we are concerned by the recent statement of the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission in Nairobi which highlighted a series of disturbing incidents. We are investigating these reports through the Irish Honorary Consul in Nairobi. It is the Government's earnest hope that any current difficulties can be overcome in a constructive manner and that the important contribution being made by Irish missionary and humanitarian workers in the field can continue as heretofore in a spirit of full co-operation with the Kenyan authorities.
In view of these developments, I am writing to the Kenyan Minister for Foreign Affairs outlining the Government's concerns about the reports of harassment of church personnel, including particularly the case of the late Brother Timmons. The Government will continue to do everything possible, both bilaterally and in co-operation with our EU partners, to increase pressure on the Kenyan authorities to intensify the democratic process with full observance of human rights.