UN Security Council members aware of Kenya's ICC case

Written By:Margaret Kalekye/VPPS,    Posted: Tue, Mar 08, 2011

The UN Security Council has confirmed receiving Kenya's request to defer post-election violence cases.

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka  on Monday evening met with the president  of the UN Security council Mr. Li Paodong of China who said the request has since been circulated to members  for consideration.

Mr Paodong  whose country holds the Presidency said they were aware of Kenya's case.

Mr. Musyoka who is leading  the Kenya delegation seeking the deferral  of the  ICC cases  told the President  that Kenya is seeking to postpone action  by the ICC against the six Kenyans named  as the suspects of the 2007/08 post election violence, to allow  for local trials through a national  judicial mechanism.

The VP is accompanied by Agriculture Minister Dr Sally Kosgei, Nairobi Metropolitan Minister  Njeru  Githae and the High Education minister Prof. Hellen sambili  reiterated that Kenya has no intention pulling out of the International  Criminal Court  nor is seeking to assist those named by the  ICC prosecutor  to escape justice.

" All we want is the UN security council to  consider positively the AU  resolution endorsing  Kenya's request for a twelve month deferral to allow us to complete reforms and embark on  local trials "

The VP said trials at the ICC at this time  are a threat to  the country's peace,  and ongoing national  healing  and reconciliation efforts.  

" We are  very keen to secure  justice for the post election  victims but we  must  also be vigilant to avoid anything that  risks national stability which  often has  regional implications "

The Kenyan envoys also held separate meetings with the representatives of the three African members of the UN security council which include Nigeria,  Gabon and  South Africa.  

Dr Sally Kogei   briefed them on reforms already underway in Kenya.

She said Kenya is able to carry out credible local prosecutions,  following the promulgation  of the new constitution which has paved way for a robust independent institutions ,which include a  reformed  judiciary.

The Kenya delegation will later meet UN Secretary General  Mr.  Ban Ki moon , Susan Rice the US Permanent representative to UN  as well as the Representative of  Russia,  UK and France.

ICC prosecutor Louis Moreno-Ocampo has expressed intention to prosecute Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Head of Public Service Francis Muthaura and MPs Henry Kosgey and William Ruto for crimes against humanity.

The others are former police commissioner Hussein Ali and journalist Joshua arap Sang.