Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Ruto maintains he is innocent




Written By:Judy Wamuyu/Claire Wanja,    Posted: Mon, Jan 23, 2012
Ruto says that the allegations against him remain strange to him
Eldoret North Member of Parliament William Ruto has maintained that he is innocent despite the ICC outcome.
In a press conference in his Karen home Monday, Ruto says that the allegations against him remain strange to him adding that the truth will prevail no matter how long it takes.
Ruto added that his legal team will move expeditiously to ensure justice is served. At the same time Ruto maintained that he is still on his Presidential race.
Meanwhile Radio presenter Joshua arap Sang says he will appeal against the ICC decision. Both Ruto and Sang thanked their families and friends for their support throughout this period calling for peace in the country.
Amnesty International has termed the decision as an important milestone for victims in search for justice, truth and reparations for crimes which took place during the post-election violence in 2007/2008.
"Whether or not these individuals are guilty of these charges remains to be seen and their right to a fair trial must be respected."
Director of Amnesty International, Kenya Justus Nyang'aya however argues it's upon the Kenyan authorities to open investigations and try all those suspected of committing crimes locally.
"But these are just four individuals. Thousands of human rights abuses, some of which may amount to crimes against humanity, took place during the post-election period and thousands of victims are still waiting for justice."
"It is vital that the Kenyan authorities open investigations and, where there is sufficient admissible evidence; prosecute all those suspected of committing crimes."
Nyang'aya argues that the ICC has been given insufficient funding by the states parties to the Rome Statute to guarantee that the trials are carried out promptly and with full respect for the rights of the defendants and victims. This he says might infringe the defendants' rights to a fair trial.
"Cuts imposed on the ICC in the 2012 budget may result in severe delays in scheduling trials in the Kenyan situation. Such delays may infringe the defendants' rights to a fair trial."
"Amnesty International believes that cuts could hamper the Court's efforts to register victims of the post-election violence to take part in the trials."
And there was general disappointment following the confirmation of charges against Eldoret North legislator William Ruto in Eldoret town and other three suspects, but locals remained calm with many expressing confidence that it's only a matter of time before their leader is vindicated.
No ugly incidences were reported as locals who had thronged various leisure joints to catch up with the proceeding quickly returned to their places of work.
Regional commissioner Wanyama Musiambu confirmed that no violence whatsoever had been reported in the area after the ruling.
Elsewhere, the United Democratic Forum Party is of the view that it is time the country moves forward.

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