Kenya Coalition partners lock horns over cases

PNU Secretary-general Kiraitu Murungi (left) on March 10, 2011 questioned why Washington was keen to have the Ocampo Six tried at the ICC while his ODM counterpart Anyang’ Nyong’o said the government should have convened a Cabinet meeting to come out with a shared position on the summonses. Photos/FILE 

By DAVE OPIYO dopiyo@nationmedia.com AND LUCAS BARASA lbarassa@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Thursday, March 10 2011 at 22:28

Coalition partners ODM and PNU have disagreed over the summonses issued to six individuals by the International Criminal Court.

The parties held separate press briefings with PNU supporting government plans to challenge the ICC jurisdiction to handle the cases while ODM termed the announcement as “partial” expression of views by two ministers.

Instead, ODM said it will hold its National Executive Council next Thursday to discuss the ICC process and whether three of those summoned should quit their public offices.

It will also deliberate on its “position” in the coalition government. Secretary-general Anyang’ Nyong’o said:

“Two Cabinet ministers spoke and I do not see that as any official position of government. I take it as their partial expression of views, which ODM does not support.”

Addressing journalists at Orange House, Prof Nyong’o added that the government should have convened a Cabinet meeting to come out with a shared position on the summonses.

He said Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, who is leading second phase of shuttle diplomacy to lobby for deferral of the ICC cases on Kenya should return to the country.

“Three UN Security Council permanent members have said they would not support the plans. His (Mr Musyoka’s) mission looks unpopular,” Prof Nyong’o said.

On Thursday, eight PNU MPs led by Cabinet ministers Kiraitu Murungi and Beth Mugo accused the US Government, which is against deferral of ICC cases of double standards.

Secretary-general Kiraitu Murungi questioned why Washington was keen to have the Ocampo Six tried at the ICC “yet a few years ago, they exerted pressure on Kenya to sign an agreement to protect Americans who might be wanted by the court.”

At Parliament Buildings, Mr Murungi expressed hope the charges being advanced on the six will be dismissed once their cases are heard conclusively.

“Those celebrating should hold their horses as it is premature,” he said.

He said calls for public officers in the ICC list to resign were premature, as Mr Ocampo will still be required to present sufficient evidence to convince the Pre-trial chamber that there are substantial grounds to believe they committed the crimes.

Additional Reporting by Henry Kahara