Muthaura distances self from allegations of incitement

By Alex Ndegwa
The Head of Civil Service, Francis Muthaura, sought to distance himself from blame over allegations of incitement against the ‘Ocampo Six’ preceding the appearance at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Ambassador Muthaura Friday sought to exonerate himself from the accusation, which has prompted ICC judges to warn the suspects, when he appeared at The Hague.
Through his British lawyer, Karim Ahmad Khan, the Secretary to the Cabinet told the court he had not made any adverse comments since his summoning to The Hague. He reiterated his commitment to respect ICC conditions.

Head of Public Service Francis Muthaura leaves ICC buildings, Friday. PICTURE: TABITHA OTWORI/STANDARD]

"There is the impression created that some adverse comments have been spoken by Ambassador Muthaura. I don’t want the public to think in any way that anything has been said or done by Muthaura to that effect. I want to assure of his commitment to the conditions set out by the court," Mr Khan said.
Clear air
Presiding Judge of the Pre-Trial Chamber II, Lady Justice Ekaterina Trendafilova, however, clarified she was not referring to anyone in particular, but that it was a general caution to all the suspects.
She also acknowledged the assurance by Muthaura and his "desire to make that clear to the public".
She told Muthaura, Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, and Postmaster-General Hussein Ali the court’s concern was founded on Kenya’s media reports prior to their initial appearance that were likely to trigger violence.
In an apparent reference to the anti-ICC campaigns preceding The Hague visit, Justice Trendafilova warned the suspects they risk arrest if they sustain statements that may trigger fresh violence.
Kenyan newspapers
"I want to reiterate the concern of the Chamber also raised in yesterday’s proceedings that it came to the knowledge of the Chamber by way of following some articles in the Kenyan newspapers that there are some movements towards triggering fresh violence by way of delivering some dangerous speeches,’’ she said. The judge added: "I would like to remind the suspects — and I’m not referring to anyone in particular but this is a general point to be made to all the suspects — that such type of action could be perceived as constituting breach of one of the conditions set out in the summonses to appear:
"Namely, to continue committing crimes within the jurisdiction of the court. Accordingly, this might prompt the Chamber to replace the summonses to appear with warrants of arrest."