Friday, April 1, 2011
Global audience for Ocampo Six hearing
By Standard Team
Kenyans can join a global audience to watch the ‘Ocampo Six’ confirmation hearings at The Hague live on their computers and television sets on April 7 and 8. This is a historic moment, as it will be the first time the appearance of Kenyan suspects in a courtroom becomes a live international event. As the six make their initial appearance in Courtroom 1 of the International Criminal Court Pre-Trial Chamber II at The Hague, the entire proceedings will be captured live by satellite broadcast through Eurovision, free of rights, and free of charge in Europe, Asia, North and South America, and Africa.
However, the 35 MPs accompanying them will need to have booked their seats at the public gallery, which is separated from the main courtroom by see-through bulletproof glass.
They must arrive no later than 10.15am (9.15am at The Hague), and use the public entrance where they will undergo a tough security check to ensure they do not enter with phones or cameras, as any recording, filming or photography is not allowed inside the courtroom. Those without valid identification cards would not be allowed in.
Live web streaming (via the Internet) of the hearing will also be available without the usual 30-minute delay at the link: http://livestreamxs4all.nl/icc5.asx)
"The hearing is being held to verify the identity of the suspects and to ensure that they have been informed of the crimes, which they are alleged to have committed, and of their rights under the Rome Statute, founding treaty of the ICC," said communication from the court.
The media will enjoy modern facilities at the Media Centre with the court providing feed from Courtroom I to the ‘hot-desk area’.
The Ocampo Six yesterday got their special visas that limit them to travel only within The Netherlands, Luxembourg and Belgium. Those accompanying them got the normal Schengen visas that give them access to all the 17 European Union countries.
Shuttle diplomacy
News of the developments came as UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon met President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga and delivered a tough message that the country must tackle impunity.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Ban Ki-moon said he has no powers to convince the United Nations Security Council to rule in favour of President Kibaki’s request for a postponement of the two cases against the six suspects.
He said the ICC’s independence is guaranteed in the Rome Statute.
His statements appeared to dim any hopes that the expensive shuttle diplomacy spearheaded by Vice- President Kalonzo Musyoka to lobby the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council to defer the cases would succeed.
Mr Ban Ki Moon issued the statement in Nairobi, as the Government rushed to file an application challenging the admissibility of two cases before the ICC.
Attorney General Amos Wako, Director of Prosecution, Keriako Tobiko, and Solicitor-General, Wanjuki Muchemi, will leave for Amsterdam on Tuesday to support the application lodged by Sir Geoffrey Nice, and Rodney Dixon, the counsel the Government hired.
Eldoret North MP, William Ruto, Tinderet MP, Henry Kosgey, and Kass FM radio presenter, Joshua arap Sang, will appear in Courtroom 1 on April 7. Uhuru Kenyatta, Francis Muthaura, and Maj-Gen (Rtd) Hussein Ali appear the following day.
"The hearing is being held to verify the identity of the suspects and to ensure they have been informed of the crimes, which they are alleged to have committed, as well as of their rights under the Rome Statute," said a statement on the ICC website yesterday.
Kenyans will follow court proceedings through a live web streaming of the hearing to be made available, with no delay, on the ICC website, through several links provided for TV channels.
The import of Ban Ki-moon’s statement is that the country is now at the mercy of ICC judges.
Short of telling Kenya ‘You are on your own’ Ban Ki Moon told the Government not to count on him because he neither has influence on the UN Security Council nor the ICC over the handling of The Hague cases.
Yesterday, Wako confirmed that the Government filed an application challenging the admissibility of two cases touching on the six prominent officials at the International Criminal Court at The Hague.
The UN boss spoke to journalists at the UN headquarters in Gigiri, shortly after seeing off President Kibaki, who had officiated at the opening of the world body’s new, ultra-modern offices.
Frank statement
In his speech, President Kibaki had stressed that the new Constitution had ushered in reforms in institutions that empower the country deal with challenges and appealed for the support of the international community.
Ban Ki-moon said in meetings with President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila, he had urged that they work together to complete reforms, end impunity, and bring justice to victims of post-election violence.
But it is the UN chief’s frank statement on Kenya’s quest for the postponement of ICC trials that will damper the hopes of authorities, coming a week before the Ocampo Six appear at The Hague to answer to crimes against humanity charges the Prosecutor seeks to prefer against them.
Ban Ki-moon said his position on Kenya’s request for a deferral under Article 16 of the Rome Statute — on grounds the cases are a threat to international peace and security — can be determined by UN Security Council.
He recalled President Kibaki had sent Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka to New York earlier last month, to lobby for deferral.
Ban Ki Moon added: "I have taken note of concerns and the wishes of the Kenyan Government. But my position on the deferral under Article 16 is that, it has to be determined by the UNSC."
On the ICC, he observed: "The UN Secretary General has no role in the International Criminal Court. It is an independent judicial institution, with its own authority to handle this matter."
The Government has resorted to Article 19 of the Rome Statute, which establishes the ICC, to press the international court to refer the cases so they can be prosecuted through a local judicial mechanism.
Kenyans can join a global audience to watch the ‘Ocampo Six’ confirmation hearings at The Hague live on their computers and television sets on April 7 and 8. This is a historic moment, as it will be the first time the appearance of Kenyan suspects in a courtroom becomes a live international event. As the six make their initial appearance in Courtroom 1 of the International Criminal Court Pre-Trial Chamber II at The Hague, the entire proceedings will be captured live by satellite broadcast through Eurovision, free of rights, and free of charge in Europe, Asia, North and South America, and Africa.
However, the 35 MPs accompanying them will need to have booked their seats at the public gallery, which is separated from the main courtroom by see-through bulletproof glass.
They must arrive no later than 10.15am (9.15am at The Hague), and use the public entrance where they will undergo a tough security check to ensure they do not enter with phones or cameras, as any recording, filming or photography is not allowed inside the courtroom. Those without valid identification cards would not be allowed in.
Live web streaming (via the Internet) of the hearing will also be available without the usual 30-minute delay at the link: http://livestreamxs4all.nl/icc5.asx)
"The hearing is being held to verify the identity of the suspects and to ensure that they have been informed of the crimes, which they are alleged to have committed, and of their rights under the Rome Statute, founding treaty of the ICC," said communication from the court.
The media will enjoy modern facilities at the Media Centre with the court providing feed from Courtroom I to the ‘hot-desk area’.
The Ocampo Six yesterday got their special visas that limit them to travel only within The Netherlands, Luxembourg and Belgium. Those accompanying them got the normal Schengen visas that give them access to all the 17 European Union countries.
Shuttle diplomacy
News of the developments came as UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon met President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga and delivered a tough message that the country must tackle impunity.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Ban Ki-moon said he has no powers to convince the United Nations Security Council to rule in favour of President Kibaki’s request for a postponement of the two cases against the six suspects.
 |
| World to watch poll chaos hearing live.Graphic: Standard |
His statements appeared to dim any hopes that the expensive shuttle diplomacy spearheaded by Vice- President Kalonzo Musyoka to lobby the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council to defer the cases would succeed.
Mr Ban Ki Moon issued the statement in Nairobi, as the Government rushed to file an application challenging the admissibility of two cases before the ICC.
Attorney General Amos Wako, Director of Prosecution, Keriako Tobiko, and Solicitor-General, Wanjuki Muchemi, will leave for Amsterdam on Tuesday to support the application lodged by Sir Geoffrey Nice, and Rodney Dixon, the counsel the Government hired.
Eldoret North MP, William Ruto, Tinderet MP, Henry Kosgey, and Kass FM radio presenter, Joshua arap Sang, will appear in Courtroom 1 on April 7. Uhuru Kenyatta, Francis Muthaura, and Maj-Gen (Rtd) Hussein Ali appear the following day.
"The hearing is being held to verify the identity of the suspects and to ensure they have been informed of the crimes, which they are alleged to have committed, as well as of their rights under the Rome Statute," said a statement on the ICC website yesterday.
Kenyans will follow court proceedings through a live web streaming of the hearing to be made available, with no delay, on the ICC website, through several links provided for TV channels.
The import of Ban Ki-moon’s statement is that the country is now at the mercy of ICC judges.
Short of telling Kenya ‘You are on your own’ Ban Ki Moon told the Government not to count on him because he neither has influence on the UN Security Council nor the ICC over the handling of The Hague cases.
Yesterday, Wako confirmed that the Government filed an application challenging the admissibility of two cases touching on the six prominent officials at the International Criminal Court at The Hague.
The UN boss spoke to journalists at the UN headquarters in Gigiri, shortly after seeing off President Kibaki, who had officiated at the opening of the world body’s new, ultra-modern offices.
Frank statement
In his speech, President Kibaki had stressed that the new Constitution had ushered in reforms in institutions that empower the country deal with challenges and appealed for the support of the international community.
Ban Ki-moon said in meetings with President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila, he had urged that they work together to complete reforms, end impunity, and bring justice to victims of post-election violence.
But it is the UN chief’s frank statement on Kenya’s quest for the postponement of ICC trials that will damper the hopes of authorities, coming a week before the Ocampo Six appear at The Hague to answer to crimes against humanity charges the Prosecutor seeks to prefer against them.
Ban Ki-moon said his position on Kenya’s request for a deferral under Article 16 of the Rome Statute — on grounds the cases are a threat to international peace and security — can be determined by UN Security Council.
He recalled President Kibaki had sent Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka to New York earlier last month, to lobby for deferral.
Ban Ki Moon added: "I have taken note of concerns and the wishes of the Kenyan Government. But my position on the deferral under Article 16 is that, it has to be determined by the UNSC."
On the ICC, he observed: "The UN Secretary General has no role in the International Criminal Court. It is an independent judicial institution, with its own authority to handle this matter."
The Government has resorted to Article 19 of the Rome Statute, which establishes the ICC, to press the international court to refer the cases so they can be prosecuted through a local judicial mechanism.
Police link heroin boats to politician, activistPolice link heroin boats to politician, activist
By Standard Reporter
A Nairobi politician, with powerful connections in Government, is behind the Sh204 million-heroin a special police unit seized last week.
But in a strange turn of events, the police have literally thrown in the towel over arresting the politician they say owns the speedboats used to transfer the drugs from the high seas to his house.
The politician is said to be under the protection of a well-connected activist and businesswoman. As if to underline their impotence in the face of the worsening drugs crisis, the police complained drug barons were "boasting in public places" how the force is useless.
A statement from police headquarters further claimed the drug barons were intimidating and attempting to bribe police officers investigating the high profile case.
The police claim the beneficiaries of the haul were using every means to discredit the police so they could continue drug trafficking.
Last week, the officers led by Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere airlifted what they said was 196kg of the highly addictive narcotic to Nairobi, using a helicopter under the cover an F5E jet fighter.
Upon landing at Wilson Airport, the drug was quickly secured by armed General Service Unit officers with a fighter jet sitting on the runway.
But in a strange turn of events barely 24 hours later, police told journalists the drug they were holding was in fact 102kg, 94kg less than what they earlier declared.
Yesterday, Mr Iteere issued a statement through spokesman Eric Kiraithe and warned they would not relent in their efforts to get those behind the haul.
"Some of them are boasting in public places saying police are useless and have tried to compromise, demoralise and intimidate officers pursuing the case. Let the beneficiaries know the war is still on," said Kiraithe.
He did not explain the ways the barons have tried to use to curtail investigation.
Kiraithe spoke as it emerged police are now concentrating on the ‘owners’ of five speedboats believed to have been used in bringing the drug ashore at the Coast before one of them was impounded.
Sources said the speedboats, which are usually parked in the Bamburi area, have been linked to the Nairobi politician named in the investigations.
Police are yet to interrogate the politician even after his mobile phone was found to have been in constant contact with some of the suspects in custody over the seizure, and him being a master to one of them.
The same man has been linked to the house where the 102kg haul was netted on March 21, in Shanzu.
Police claim the politician enjoys the protection of an official in the Ministry of Internal Security who has blocked police from interrogating him.
Fear calling
"He has been mentioned, but police fear calling him for interrogation. This haul does not belong to the six people who were caught with it. Reports indicate it is his," said a detective close to the investigations who requested anonymity.
But yesterday, Kiraithe said police investigations are still on, and warned they would not spare anyone if there would be evidence to show link with the shipping of the drugs.
"It doesn’t matter who he is, he will have to face the law if and when his time comes. These drugs are causing a lot of damage to our society and those responsible for their importation have to be answerable," he said.
He said anyone found to be linked to the haul would be enjoined in the case, which is in court.
Kiraithe confirmed investigators are pursuing leads that the seized haul could have been part of a larger consignment of about two tons that was shipped in from Pakistan. The ship waited in the high seas before speedboats started delivering the drugs to coastal towns of Lamu and Malindi.
Other reports indicated some of the haul may have ended up in Zanzibar, through the same speedboats undetected, and officers there have been alerted.
Officers rushed to Lamu and Malindi to follow leads that there were more of the drug that may have been shipped there in a similar manner.
Although the owner of the house is known police are yet to reveal the registered owner of the two cars – a Nissan saloon car and a Toyota Rav4 that delivered the haul to the house.
Kiraithe insisted according to their register, the two pistols and 59 bullets that were seized from two of the suspects were illegally owned. The suspects have given out firearms licenses, which show they had the guns legally.
He added investigations into the case are complex given some of the suspects in custody had arrived in Mombasa two days before the seizure by officers from Special Crimes Prevention Unit and Anti-Narcotics Unit.
The suspects include three Kenyans, two Iranians and a Pakistani.
Kiraithe said they had initially presumed the haul to be 196kg, based on the 2kg-mark on each of the 98 packets, which were seized.
Nothing wrong
"But when our officers and those from Government Chemist weighed it in Nairobi while preparing a charge sheet they found it to be 94kg less. There is nothing wrong," stated Kiraithe.
The seizure of heroin at an apartment in Shanzu followed a two-week wait by police who had been tipped the narcotics would be arriving.
Police said the traffickers had arrived and were waiting for the ground to clear before delivering.
The traffickers were using a GPRS phone to communicate with their contacts at sea for direction before they could deliver the cargo.
The drug was disguised as dog food under the brand name and labeled, "Science Plan: Veterinary formulated Canine Senior for older dogs. New improved taste." The whitish powder was concealed in nylon papers.
One of the suspects identified had, according to police, rented the apartment two days before the arrival of the drugs.
The suspect introduced his other accomplices as investors who wanted to rent the Jupiter Apartment, police boss said.
Other Kenyan suspects were Hassan Ibrahim, and Yusuf Hassan. Iranians suspects were identified as Ali Mohamed and Abduk Baseet. There was also Khan Mohamed, a Pakistani.
Police say they want to establish if the six were part of a syndicate, and that their intention is to break it by dismantling their local and international networks.
A Nairobi politician, with powerful connections in Government, is behind the Sh204 million-heroin a special police unit seized last week.
But in a strange turn of events, the police have literally thrown in the towel over arresting the politician they say owns the speedboats used to transfer the drugs from the high seas to his house.
The politician is said to be under the protection of a well-connected activist and businesswoman. As if to underline their impotence in the face of the worsening drugs crisis, the police complained drug barons were "boasting in public places" how the force is useless.
A statement from police headquarters further claimed the drug barons were intimidating and attempting to bribe police officers investigating the high profile case.
The police claim the beneficiaries of the haul were using every means to discredit the police so they could continue drug trafficking.
Last week, the officers led by Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere airlifted what they said was 196kg of the highly addictive narcotic to Nairobi, using a helicopter under the cover an F5E jet fighter.
Upon landing at Wilson Airport, the drug was quickly secured by armed General Service Unit officers with a fighter jet sitting on the runway.
But in a strange turn of events barely 24 hours later, police told journalists the drug they were holding was in fact 102kg, 94kg less than what they earlier declared.
Yesterday, Mr Iteere issued a statement through spokesman Eric Kiraithe and warned they would not relent in their efforts to get those behind the haul.
"Some of them are boasting in public places saying police are useless and have tried to compromise, demoralise and intimidate officers pursuing the case. Let the beneficiaries know the war is still on," said Kiraithe.
He did not explain the ways the barons have tried to use to curtail investigation.
Kiraithe spoke as it emerged police are now concentrating on the ‘owners’ of five speedboats believed to have been used in bringing the drug ashore at the Coast before one of them was impounded.
 |
| Ali Mohamed (right), Khan Mohamed (centre) and Abdul Baseet at Nairobi Law Courts Thursday, where they are facing charges of trafficking narcotics. [PHOTO: EVANS HABIL/ STANDARD] |
Police are yet to interrogate the politician even after his mobile phone was found to have been in constant contact with some of the suspects in custody over the seizure, and him being a master to one of them.
The same man has been linked to the house where the 102kg haul was netted on March 21, in Shanzu.
Police claim the politician enjoys the protection of an official in the Ministry of Internal Security who has blocked police from interrogating him.
Fear calling
"He has been mentioned, but police fear calling him for interrogation. This haul does not belong to the six people who were caught with it. Reports indicate it is his," said a detective close to the investigations who requested anonymity.
But yesterday, Kiraithe said police investigations are still on, and warned they would not spare anyone if there would be evidence to show link with the shipping of the drugs.
"It doesn’t matter who he is, he will have to face the law if and when his time comes. These drugs are causing a lot of damage to our society and those responsible for their importation have to be answerable," he said.
He said anyone found to be linked to the haul would be enjoined in the case, which is in court.
Kiraithe confirmed investigators are pursuing leads that the seized haul could have been part of a larger consignment of about two tons that was shipped in from Pakistan. The ship waited in the high seas before speedboats started delivering the drugs to coastal towns of Lamu and Malindi.
Other reports indicated some of the haul may have ended up in Zanzibar, through the same speedboats undetected, and officers there have been alerted.
Officers rushed to Lamu and Malindi to follow leads that there were more of the drug that may have been shipped there in a similar manner.
Although the owner of the house is known police are yet to reveal the registered owner of the two cars – a Nissan saloon car and a Toyota Rav4 that delivered the haul to the house.
Kiraithe insisted according to their register, the two pistols and 59 bullets that were seized from two of the suspects were illegally owned. The suspects have given out firearms licenses, which show they had the guns legally.
He added investigations into the case are complex given some of the suspects in custody had arrived in Mombasa two days before the seizure by officers from Special Crimes Prevention Unit and Anti-Narcotics Unit.
The suspects include three Kenyans, two Iranians and a Pakistani.
Kiraithe said they had initially presumed the haul to be 196kg, based on the 2kg-mark on each of the 98 packets, which were seized.
Nothing wrong
"But when our officers and those from Government Chemist weighed it in Nairobi while preparing a charge sheet they found it to be 94kg less. There is nothing wrong," stated Kiraithe.
The seizure of heroin at an apartment in Shanzu followed a two-week wait by police who had been tipped the narcotics would be arriving.
Police said the traffickers had arrived and were waiting for the ground to clear before delivering.
The traffickers were using a GPRS phone to communicate with their contacts at sea for direction before they could deliver the cargo.
The drug was disguised as dog food under the brand name and labeled, "Science Plan: Veterinary formulated Canine Senior for older dogs. New improved taste." The whitish powder was concealed in nylon papers.
One of the suspects identified had, according to police, rented the apartment two days before the arrival of the drugs.
The suspect introduced his other accomplices as investors who wanted to rent the Jupiter Apartment, police boss said.
Other Kenyan suspects were Hassan Ibrahim, and Yusuf Hassan. Iranians suspects were identified as Ali Mohamed and Abduk Baseet. There was also Khan Mohamed, a Pakistani.
Police say they want to establish if the six were part of a syndicate, and that their intention is to break it by dismantling their local and international networks.
Ocampo Six get visas to The Hague
By Athman Amran
The Ocampo Six have been given their visas to travel to The Hague next week where the International Criminal Court (ICC) will read them their charges.
The visas, which they collected from the Royal Dutch Embassy in Nairobi yesterday, however, restrict them to only three countries – Netherlands, Luxembourg and Belgium. They are also restricted to staying for seven days although their visas are valid from April 3 to 25.
But visas of the more than 40 MPs, who will accompany the suspects to The Hague are normal Schengen visas. These allow them to travel freely to all the 17 European Union countries.
Among the six post-election violence suspects who got their visas yesterday are Eldoret North MP Willam Ruto, Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Tinderet MP Henry Kosgey and radio presenter Josiah Sang.
MP Charles Keter picked the visas for Ruto, Uhuru and Kosgey while Sang picked his personally.
Processed speedily
The ‘Ocampo Six’ are expected to depart for The Hague on April 5, while some of the MPs will leave on April 5 and 6.
Sang told reporters he had applied for his visa on Monday and collected his documents yesterday and will depart on April 5 and be back by April 10. "The visa serves the purpose. I had no reason to go to the other countries," Sang said.
The radio presenter’s lawyer Kimutai Bosek, however, took issue with the travel restrictions imposed on his client, which other suspects were also not happy about. "It is not good to insinuate that they would go to any region," Mr Bosek said.
Lawyers for the ‘Ocampo Six’ are expected to leave on Sunday to arrange for accommodation and other needs at The Hague.
Bosek said the ICC has not made accommodation or any other arrangements. "We will raise the issue of legal fees when in court," he said.
The visas were processed speedily amid disagreement between the Government and the Netherlands over the type of visas to be issued to the International Criminal Court suspects.
The Netherlands had insisted on sticking to international law and precedence by treating the six as "high risk personalities" and issuing them with "special passes" instead of normal visas.
The Government had threatened to block the six from travelling to the Netherlands unless they received visas. Keter said he collected 20 visas for the MPs and would collect the rest today.
Among those who will accompany the suspects are Assistant ministers William Cheptumo, Peter Munya, Ferdinand Waititu, Mwangi Kiunjuri, Linah Kilimo, Kazungu Kambi, Kareke Mbiuki, Sylvester Wakoli, Katoo ole Mitito, Asman Kamama, Mohamed Mahamud Ali and Johnstone Muthama.
The Ocampo Six have been given their visas to travel to The Hague next week where the International Criminal Court (ICC) will read them their charges.
The visas, which they collected from the Royal Dutch Embassy in Nairobi yesterday, however, restrict them to only three countries – Netherlands, Luxembourg and Belgium. They are also restricted to staying for seven days although their visas are valid from April 3 to 25.
But visas of the more than 40 MPs, who will accompany the suspects to The Hague are normal Schengen visas. These allow them to travel freely to all the 17 European Union countries.
Among the six post-election violence suspects who got their visas yesterday are Eldoret North MP Willam Ruto, Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Tinderet MP Henry Kosgey and radio presenter Josiah Sang.
MP Charles Keter picked the visas for Ruto, Uhuru and Kosgey while Sang picked his personally.
Processed speedily
The ‘Ocampo Six’ are expected to depart for The Hague on April 5, while some of the MPs will leave on April 5 and 6.
Sang told reporters he had applied for his visa on Monday and collected his documents yesterday and will depart on April 5 and be back by April 10. "The visa serves the purpose. I had no reason to go to the other countries," Sang said.
The radio presenter’s lawyer Kimutai Bosek, however, took issue with the travel restrictions imposed on his client, which other suspects were also not happy about. "It is not good to insinuate that they would go to any region," Mr Bosek said.
Lawyers for the ‘Ocampo Six’ are expected to leave on Sunday to arrange for accommodation and other needs at The Hague.
Bosek said the ICC has not made accommodation or any other arrangements. "We will raise the issue of legal fees when in court," he said.
The visas were processed speedily amid disagreement between the Government and the Netherlands over the type of visas to be issued to the International Criminal Court suspects.
The Netherlands had insisted on sticking to international law and precedence by treating the six as "high risk personalities" and issuing them with "special passes" instead of normal visas.
The Government had threatened to block the six from travelling to the Netherlands unless they received visas. Keter said he collected 20 visas for the MPs and would collect the rest today.
Among those who will accompany the suspects are Assistant ministers William Cheptumo, Peter Munya, Ferdinand Waititu, Mwangi Kiunjuri, Linah Kilimo, Kazungu Kambi, Kareke Mbiuki, Sylvester Wakoli, Katoo ole Mitito, Asman Kamama, Mohamed Mahamud Ali and Johnstone Muthama.
Visas restrict Ocampo Six to three EU countries only
By NATION REPORTER
Posted Thursday, March 31 2011 at 21:10
Posted Thursday, March 31 2011 at 21:10
Six suspected masterminds of post-election violence will be restricted to three countries and can stay in the Netherlands for seven days only when they travel to the International Criminal Court next week.
Visas issued on Thursday to the six in Nairobi indicate they will only be able to travel to Belgium and Luxembourg if they are to leave the Netherlands.
The six, who will be before the ICC judges on April 7 and 8, were denied Schengen visas, which allow holders to visit 17 European Union countries.
Close to 50 MPs seeking to accompany the six and the lawyers to the suspects were given the Schengen visas.
Open session
The visas were issued as the ICC announced that the initial appearance of MPs William Ruto and Henry Kosgey and radio journalist Joshua Sang would be held in Courtroom I.
The hearing will be in open session unless ordered otherwise.
“The hearing is being held in order to verify the identity of the suspects and to ensure that they have been informed of the crimes, which they are alleged to have committed as well as of their rights under the Rome Statute.”
The Netherlands issued the Benelux normal visa that allows unrestricted travel to the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.
However, the Dutch embassy in Nairobi said their movement during their stay in the European country would not be restricted.
“The visas enable the six to visit the Netherlands without restrictions, and to appear in court as summoned,” said Ms Camilla Veerman, the first secretary in charge of politics and press affairs at the embassy.
She added that the six suspects had been asked to pick their visas on Thursday.
Only Mr Sang picked the visa in person as the other five sent representatives. The radio presenter told journalists he was not concerned about the restrictions, adding that he expects to return on April 10.
Mr Ruto’s visa was picked by Belgut MP Charles Keter. Mr Keter also picked 20 visas for his colleagues who are to accompany the six suspects. He said another 25 visas were still being processed by the embassy and would be collected on Friday.
“We have collected 20 visas this afternoon. Another 25 are being processed including five that I have submitted today,” said Mr Keter.
Other suspects whose visas were picked included Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta Mr Kosgey who sent aides.
It was not clear whether Head of Civil Service Francis Muthaura and Postmaster-General Hussein Ali had picked theirs.
Corridors of Power
Prime Minister Raila Odinga's trips abroads are being closely monitored and recorded by NSIS oficials who have been assigned keep an eye on him and report back to their bosses in Nairobi. The officials, who are attached to diplomatic missions in the countries where Raila is visiting are operating in disguise with some of them pretending to be journalists. The first set of audio and video recordings of the PM’s Dubai trip were delivered recently.
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The bad-mouthing, gossip, name calling and scrambling for appointment to the yet-to-be established Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission engaged in by some of the prospective members has heightened fears that the 2012 elections might be chaotic. The introduction of the political rivalry between ODM and PNU whose MPs have started taking a snipe at each other does not help matters either.
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An MP from Homa-Bay County has now opted to visit his rural home during the night to avoid meeting with some of his more youthful constituents who always demand handouts of cash from him. The man visits his rural home briefly before driving back to Kisumu where he spends his evenings in the company of close friends and associates at the Kisumu Social Centre.
===
The bad-mouthing, gossip, name calling and scrambling for appointment to the yet-to-be established Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission engaged in by some of the prospective members has heightened fears that the 2012 elections might be chaotic. The introduction of the political rivalry between ODM and PNU whose MPs have started taking a snipe at each other does not help matters either.
===
An MP from Homa-Bay County has now opted to visit his rural home during the night to avoid meeting with some of his more youthful constituents who always demand handouts of cash from him. The man visits his rural home briefly before driving back to Kisumu where he spends his evenings in the company of close friends and associates at the Kisumu Social Centre.
Wambui warns ICC against Uhuru arrest threat
PNU activist Mary Wambui has defended Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta over allegations that he was involved in the post-election violence. Wambui warned of undisclosed consequences if the ICC jails or detains Uhuru.
The outspoken activist also defended former police commisioner Hussein Ali and Head of public service Francis Muthaura over the cases facing them."We shall defend them to the end and if they don't come back they (ICC) will know who we are," she said.
Wambui said Uhuru led other leaders to plead with the youth to maintain peace during the violence and wondered why he is being 'persecuted'.
On IDPs, Wambui hit out at some of their leaders who are misleading the victims to refuse to the land offered by the government."Any Kenyan can live in any part of the country and we castigate those people in Mau Narok and Taita who are opposed to IDPs being resettled there," she said. Wambui was speaking in Karunga, Ol Kalou during a farmers' field day where MEA limited donated fertilser and maize seeds to farmers.
She challenged the government to move fast and deliver fertiliser and seed to farmers before the long rains start."We are urge the concerned ministry to move fast and deliver the seeds and fertiliser so that farmers dont fall behind in their plans," she said.
The outspoken activist also defended former police commisioner Hussein Ali and Head of public service Francis Muthaura over the cases facing them."We shall defend them to the end and if they don't come back they (ICC) will know who we are," she said.
Wambui said Uhuru led other leaders to plead with the youth to maintain peace during the violence and wondered why he is being 'persecuted'.
On IDPs, Wambui hit out at some of their leaders who are misleading the victims to refuse to the land offered by the government."Any Kenyan can live in any part of the country and we castigate those people in Mau Narok and Taita who are opposed to IDPs being resettled there," she said. Wambui was speaking in Karunga, Ol Kalou during a farmers' field day where MEA limited donated fertilser and maize seeds to farmers.
She challenged the government to move fast and deliver fertiliser and seed to farmers before the long rains start."We are urge the concerned ministry to move fast and deliver the seeds and fertiliser so that farmers dont fall behind in their plans," she said.
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