Don't panic, ministers tell Ocampo Six

By Renson Buluma
Three Cabinet ministers have urged post-election violence suspects to remain calm as they await trial by the International Criminal Court at The Hague.
Regional Development Minister Fred Gumo, James Orengo (Lands) and Paul Otuoma (Sports), said the suspects would come out politically strong if found innocent.
They said politicians proved innocent after such a trial usually emerge strong winners.
"In the field of politics, you must be strong. We appeal to those who are facing charges not to be afraid because they may gain from it at the end of it all," said Mr Orengo.
He added: "People like Jomo Kenyatta (first President), Nelson Mandela of South Africa and even Prime Minister Raila Odinga emerged stronger politically after they were detained."
Last month, ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo released names of six suspects he wants tried over their alleged involvement in post-election violence.
In the list were Cabinet ministers Henry Kosgey and Uhuru Kenyatta, Head of Civil Service Francis Muthaura, Eldoret North MP William Ruto, former Commissioner of Police Maj-Gen Hussein Ali and radio personality Joshua arap Sang’.
On Monday, Orengo said the naming of top Government officials should be a warning to those who may abuse their positions.
Otuoma said pulling Kenya out of the Rome Statute, which subjects the country to the ICC, is not an easy task as imagined.
He added that such a move would not deter the ICC from carrying out its mandate of investigating and prosecuting crimes against humanity.
He dismissed as ‘insincere’ those calling for the withdrawal, saying the same people had pushed for The Hague option.
Gumo called for open consultations among leaders to avoid pitfalls whenever the country is confronted with difficult situations.
The three spoke at Bumbe Beach in Samia District during a cultural festival that brought together members of the Samia community from Kenya and Uganda.
Also present was Assistant minister Bifwoli Wakoli and Busia Uganda Resident DC Imran Muruga.
Various sporting activities including boat racing, football and netball were held.