State, MPs insist ICC suspects won't step aside

By Standard TeamDeputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Head of Civil Service Francis Muthaura and Postmaster General Major General (Rtd) Hussein Ali will not step aside from their duties, the Government has said.
This is despite the three being among the six post-election violence suspects summoned by the ICC to The Hague to answer to crimes against humanity.
During his weekly Press briefing at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi, Government Spokesman Alfred Mutua said yesterday the three Government officials could step aside only if they were facing charges at the ICC.
He said what the ICC has done so far is to summon the six to give their side of the story.
"This in Kenya would be similar to being asked to visit the nearest police station or CID office or Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission offices to record a statement so that a determination can be made whether one has a case to answer," said Dr Mutua.
Mutua at the same time said Attorney General Amos Wako and ministers Mutula Kilonzo (Justice) and George Saitoti (Internal Security) had issued the statement on challenging the jurisdiction of the ICC in charging the six suspects after discussions with President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Separately, eight MPs allied to PNU said it is premature to call for the resignation of The Hague Six.
PNU Secretary General and Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi said the summonses mean the six are going to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for confirmation of charges, which the court can still reject.
Different positions
Civil Society groups and a section of Kenyans have called for the resignation of the three officials.
"For those who are going round saying Uhuru step aside, Muthaura step aside, I want to tell them it is too early," said Kiraitu.
The MPs also claimed that the decision to challenge the admissibility of the cases was a Government move despite complaints from ODM that they were not consulted, saying they are individuals in the Government who take different positions on an issue.
"If the AG has said he is going to raise admissibility of the cases in The Hague then is that not the Government," said Kiraitu, declaring support for the move.
Public Health Minister Beth Mugo said the Government’s decision would compliment the shuttle diplomacy led by Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka that seeks the deferral of the cases. Ms Mugo accused foreign governments of "pouring money" to destabilise Kenya. "Justice for the victims will not be delivered at The Hague, justice will only be delivered here on our own soil," said Mugo.
Others at the Press conference at Parliament Buildings, Nairobi were Nominated MP Mohammed Affey, Ntoitha M’Mithiaru (Igembe North), Johnston Muthama (Kangundo), Peter Kiilu (Makueni), Kareke Mbiuki (Nithi) and Kirinyaga Central MP Joseph Gitari.