Saturday, January 28, 2012

Drama and teasing that greeted ICC ruling on suspects



By Standard on Saturday Reporter

As the ICC finally confirmed charges against four Kenyans last Monday, the reality of how tight-fisted this court can be finally dawned on the nation.
But the ruling equally invigorated theatrics among local politicians, who have been promising to literally put their reputation, and even lives, on the line for the sake of their colleagues who have been arraigned at The Hague. Immediately after the ICC confirmed the charges against Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Kieni MP Nemesyus Warugongo astoundingly announced that he would go on a one-week hunger strike.
Warugongo, who is an ally of the Gatundu South MP, lamented that the ICC cases against Kenyans had been politicised and vowed to rally Kenyatta’s supporters to do the same as a show of solidarity with their leader.
This came hot on the heels of the showstopper by Special Programmes Minister Esther Murugi, who last year promised to lead women in stripping naked if Uhuru was detained upon his arrival at The Hague for the confirmation of charges hearings.
"We are in your full support, and even if it means undressing, we will do it for your sake," the Nyeri Town MP stated while teasingly holding her dress during a public rally attended by Uhuru.
Around the same time, the ever-unpredictable Water Assistant Minister Ferdinand Waititu also made a declaration that put him alongside Murugi as co-drivers of the ICC theatrics bandwagon.
Speaking in Murang’a town, the MP vowed to mobilise youth from Embakasi and take them to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which is in his constituency, to block the flight that would be taking the then Ocampo Six to The Hague if Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Medical Services Minister Anyang’ Nyong’o were not among those to be tried for post-election violence.
And when ICC Pre-Trial II Chamber released its verdict on the cases early this week, social sites were awash with messages calling on Murugi to make good her promise of stripping. But they seemed confused as to whether Murugi was to strip naked if Uhuru was detained or if charges against him were confirmed.
"Hon Esther Murugi Mathenge promised Kenyans that she would strip naked if Hon Uhuru will be confirmed for trial. Please we demand her to respect and honour her words and do it! Walk the talk," one blogger asserted.
"The ICC has done its part; it is now time to do your part. So, when are you stripping madam?" another posed on a Facebook page attributed to the minister. Another blog reminded Waititu that of his unfulfilled promise to Kenyans.
"I am inquiring on when and at what time Hon Ferdinand Waititu will be at the runway at JKIA . Waititu ran over by a plane for Uhuru! Wait a minute..will he be having stones to throw at the plane?" he mused.

No comments:

Post a Comment