Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Lawyers ask ICC suspects to step aside



By KEPHER OTIENO

Will Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Public service boss Francis Muthaura resign after the International Criminal Court (ICC) confirmed charges against them?
Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka leads PNU Alliance party members in addressing journalists following the ICC ruling. PHOTO: EVANS HABIL/STANDARD]
This is what many are looking forward to see, after the ICC found them liable for trial for crimes committed against humanity after the 2007 election, which left more than 1,300 killed and at least 350,000 displaced.
On Monday, mixed reactions greeted the confirmations verdict, with most leaders calling for sobriety in politics even as they asked those mentioned by ICC verdict, but still hold public office, to honourably step aside until investigations are completed.
Lawyers Richard Onsongo, Cleveland Ayayo, Jude Ragot, David Otieno, Jeff Yogo, PJ Otieno asked Kenyans to calm down and stop blowing the charges confirmed out of proportion simply for selfish political convenience. They said ICC matters should not be politicised because none of the suspects confirmed is guilty until after the due process of the law is followed.
"We are confident that ICC will handle the matter competently,’’ said Yogo.
Ayayo said the moment of justice, which many Kenyans wanted, had now dawned.
"The ICC process was open to the whole world for scrutiny and is seen as a credible process. We all have faith that justice will be ensured devoid of malice,’’ he said.
Similar stand was shared with counsels Onsongo, who said the matter was now in the province of the lawyers and the Courts who best understand how to interpret the matter. Ragot said Kenyans should not politicise the outcome of the process but rather support ICC exuding confidence justice will finally prevail.

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