Outcry over government support for Ocampo Six

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By Peter Atsiaya

Civil Society Organisations have reacted angrily to plans by the Government to facilitate the defence of the "Ocampo Six" suspects should their cases go for full trial at International Criminal Court (ICC).

Led by the chairman of the National Council of NGOs Ken Wafula they said Attorney General Githu

Chairman of the National Council of NGOs, Ken Wafula. Photo: File/Standard

Muigai had betrayed Kenyans by assuring the suspects that the Government would put mechanisms and facilitate their defence at The Hague should the ICC confirm their cases.

"The AG has gotten it wrong on this matter. This is not the Muigai we knew and his sentiments confirm that power corrupts," said Mr Wafula.

He noted that Muigai, a product of the civil society, should be in the fore front in ensuring that the voice of the voiceless are heard.

Speaking in Eldoret, Wafula pointed out that the Ocampo Six suspects were wealthy people who did not require any facilitation using taxpayers’ money.

He noted that the AG should be pushing for facilitation of the victims affected by the post elections violence to follow proceedings at The Hague if the cases go for trial.

"Why is the AG overlooking the victims and standing by the suspects who are being accused of allegedly ruining their lives?" posed Wafula.

He added: "Muigai should know that he is the AG for all Kenyans and not the rich alone.

Wafula noted that the Ocampo Six have not asked for facilitation and wondered why the AG was pushing to use taxpayers’ money on them.

The AG was reported in the local Dailies to have said the State would facilitate the defence of the six suspects charged by the ICC should they be tried for crimes committed during the 2007/8 post elections violence.

The suspects include Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Head of Public Service Francis Muthaura, Postmaster General Hussein Ali, Eldoret North MP William Ruto, Tinderet MP Henry Kosgei, and radio journalist Joshua Sang.

The decision on whether the cases preferred against the suspects will go for full trial or not would be delivered next month.