MPs divided over Bashir visit

By Anthony Gtonga and David Ochami

MPs differed over the controversial invitation of Sudan’s President Omar Hassan al Bashir for the promulgation of the new Constitution ceremony. Some said Kenya’s strategic interests in Sudan as a guarantor to that country’s Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) overrides International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrants on al Bashir, and its obligations under the Rome Statute. But they failed to clarify if the invitation and failure to arrest him violated Kenya’s International Crimes Act and Article 2 of the new supreme law. Ikolomani MP Bonny Khalwale and his Nyando counterpart Fred Outa expressed fears the country may not release suspects of the post-election violence to the ICC.

Speaking in Naivasha, the two said the move to shun the Rome Statute, which Kenya is a signatory to, was a smack on the face for victims of the post-election violence, who were seeking justice.

Interest Of The Poor

Khalwale dismissed those saying the Government was guided by the African Union (AU) resolution.

"It seems the big boys in this country do not have the interest of the poor people who died in Darfur," he said.

In Nairobi, Assistant Minister Kambi Kazungu and Mosop MP David Koech criticised Prime Minister Raila Odinga for disowning the wanted President. "Kibaki does not need to consult the Prime Minister on this minor issue," said Kazungu, referring to Raila’s claim he was not informed about the invitation.

"The President has authority to invite anyone. This cannot be questioned unless you want to strip him of his powers," said the assistant minister. Koech said: "The President of Sudan had a right to be here as the legitimate leader of Sudan."

Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi argued that as a guarantor to the CPA, "Kenya needs to engage Sudan".

The visit by Bashir surprised many and has sparked outrage locally and internationally.