Tamirat Layne (born 1955) is an Ethiopian politician. During the 1980s, he was an important figure in the fight against Ethiopian dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam.
When Mengistu was overthrown in 1991, Layne became one of the three man EPRDF/TPLF junta ruling the country and then in the democratically elected government; the other members being Meles Zenawi (President) and Siye Abraha (Minister of Defence). His position was Prime Minister, in which capacity he served from June 6, 1991 until August 22, 1995 when President Meles Zenawi succeeded him as Prime Minister. Layne became deputy prime minister until October 1996, when he was sacked from both positions.
Tamirat Layne served 12 years of a 18 year sentence for corruption and embezzlement charges, and was freed in December 19, 2008. The court stated his good behaviour while in prison as a reason for his release. (Tamirat Layne While imprisoned converted to Evangelical Christianity)
His testimony on his raise and fall and raise again is a powerful testimony that African leaders should hear .
“For reconciliation to happen there must be forgivess” Tamirat Layne
Kenyan Leaders and we the Kenyan people can learn a lot from this man.
