Sunday, December 19, 2010

My crime was assisting my people, says Uhuru


BY ANTHONY KAGIRI

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Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta
KIAMBU, Nairobi, Dec 18 - Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta says he is not afraid to prove his innocence at the International Criminal Court over his alleged role in the 2008 post election violence.

Mr Kenyatta on Saturday reiterated that he did not play any role in planning retaliatory attacks, but argued his only crime was to help internally displaced persons.

Speaking at the 50th anniversary of the death of Senior Chief Koinange, the Finance Minister called for sobriety and calm over the matter.

"When one knows he is innocent, he is not afraid," said the DPM.

"We shall go to that place they are telling us to go because we know justice will prevail and the perpetrators will be known."

Mr Kenyatta said he remained optimistic that he would be vindicated by a fair trial.  "Those falsely accusing me should not celebrate yet because the truth will come out."

The son of Kenya's first president Jomo Kenyatta, was on Wednesday named alongside five other Kenyans for allegedly planning the deadly violence that left over 1,500 dead and more that 650,000 displaced.

Others listed by ICC Prosecutor were Industrialisation Minister Henry Kosgey, suspended Higher Education Minister William Ruto and the Head of the Civil Service Francis Muthaura.

Others are former Police Commissioner Major General (Rtd) Hussein Ali and Kass FM presenter Joshua arap Sang.

on Saturday, Mr Kenyatta was accompanied by four Central Kenya Members of Parliament who vowed to fight the allegations leveled against their preferred 2012 Presidential aspirant. MPs Lewis Nguyai and Ferdinand Waititu said the naming was a ploy to keep Mr Kenyatta off the presidential contest but vowed they will not be stopped.

"Those who led the violence are behind these accusations. We urge you to remain steadfast for we shall elect you despite that," said Mr Waititu.

Mr Nguyai added: "Your father was among the Kapenguria six but later went on to become the president of this country. You will come out of this and become our leader."

Legislators Jeremiah Kioni and John Mututho also came to the defence of the DPM saying he did nothing wrong.

"We were with Uhuru during that time and he urged people not to revenge the attacks," said Mr Kioni.

The Gikuyu Embu and Meru Association and the Mau Mau Veterans also defended the Finance Minister over the accusations that he participated in the planning the violence.

GEMA Patron Njenga Karume said Mr Kenyatta was innocent as his actions during the period were all humanitarian.

"We all know that these accusations are lies. Kenyans know the truth about this violence," said Mr Karume.

Mau Mau Chairman Getu wa Kahengeri on his part urged the Deputy Prime Minister to remain firm and stick to the truth.

"We shall stand with you and ensure justice is delivered," said the veterans' leader.


Read more: http://capitalfm.co.ke/news/Kenyanews/My-crime-was-assisting-my-people%2C-says-Uhuru-10928.html#ixzz18ZIKP2ZW
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