Ruto, Kalonzo urge Ocampo to nab mass action instigators

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka (right) and suspended Higher Education Minister William Ruto during a fundraiser in aid of Itigo Africa Inland Church in Mosop Constituency on Sunday. PHOTO / JARED NYATAYA  

By OUMA WANZALA owanzala@ke.nationmedia.comPosted Sunday, December 5 2010 at 17:24

Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and suspended higher education minister William Ruto have insisted that the International Criminal Court (ICC) should go for people who called for mass action.

“I know that ICC goes for people who bear the highest responsibilities and I expect the court to go for such people. I also expect the court will not apply double standards and I do not want to say more,” said Mr Musyoka.

Speaking at African Inland church Itigo, in Mosop, Nandi County during the church’s 65th anniversary, the Vice-president however, exonerated President Kibaki from any blame saying that he could not have planned the post-election violence.

“I Know His Excellency the President very well. We used to abuse him with Raila while in opposition but he did not hold any grudge against us,” Mr Musyoka said.

He said that the government still had the desire to have a local tribunal in the country to try masterminds of the post-poll chaos.

“ICC process has gone to another level and we cannot reverse that but as Kenyans, we must remember that we still have a local tribunal in our agenda,” said the Vice-President.

He expressed confidence that a criminal case against Mr Ruto was facing will be completed in time so that he can be able to return to the cabinet.

Mr Musyoka claimed that a section of politicians were out to ensure the political career of the Eldoret North MP sinks with the ICC investigations.

“Do not be fearful as God wants people who are strong and He cannot fail you (Ruto) and ICC trial chamber has standard that has to be proved beyond any reasonable doubts for any case,” Mr Musyoka said.

Mr Ruto said he was ready to face the ICC charges against him since its Prosecutor Moreno-Ocampo was relying on lies from KNCHR.

He denied claims that he gave out 3,000 arms to youths in Rift Valley to kill people

“Eight or nine witnesses who are hiding in Tanzania are going nowhere and that is why I am confident that come 2012 I will be around,” he said.

Other legislators present included Shakila Abdalla, Ephraim Maina, Isaac Muoki, David Koech, Jackson Kiptanui, Alex Muiru, Elija Lagat, Johstone Muthama and Jebbi Kilimo.