Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Kibaki says


By James Ratemo
President Mwai Kibaki wants those named by Ocampo to stay put until the allegations against them are proven by ICC judges.
In a statement soon after Ocampo named the six he wants indicted, Kibaki said calls for action are prejudicial, preemptive and against the rules of natural justice.
Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Head of Civil Service Francis Muthaura and former Higher Education Minister William Ruto tops list of six Kenyans allegedly most wanted for the 2007 post-election violence, that claimed lives of over 1,200 Kenyans.
Former Police Commissioner Hussein Ali, Minister for Industrialisation Henry Kosgey and a radio executive Joshua Sang complete the list of the big six Ocampo wants indicted.
"I appeal to Kenyans to remain calm. The government will remain vigilant and ensure that the rights of its citizens and the dignity of the nation are upheld," read Kibaki's statement in part.
Kibaki assured the named six that the government will ensure their rights are upheld and due process followed.
"Like other countries, our overriding desire in subscribing to international conventions is to advance our national interest both internally and internationally. We do expect, therefore, that the International Criminal Court process will meet our expectations as a nation," said Kibaki.
On Monday Kibaki had said Kenya is keen to form a local tribunal to try the 2007 post-election violence suspects despite Ocampo's announcement. 
However his critics have already said a local tribunal cannot stop Ocampo's mission.
In the wednesday statement, Kibaki added: "I wish to state that the people who have been mentioned have not yet been fully investigated as the pre-trial process in The Hague has only but began. They therefore cannot be judged as guilty until the charges are confirmed by the court."
"In the meantime," said Kibaki, "I wish to state that the government is fully committed to the establishment of a local tribunal to deal with those behind the post election violence, in accordance with stipulations of the new constitution."
He called for calm and focus on national healing and reconciliation sayinf security had been beefed up across the country to avert any possible mayhem following Ocampo's disclosure.
"I also wish to assure Kenyans that the government has intensified security around the country. The government is providing full support to our security forces to enable them perform their duties of protecting the lives of all citizens and their property," said the head of state.

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