News
Cabinet postpones tribunal decision
President Kibaki chairs a past cabinet meeting. A decision on the formation of a local tribunal to try post election violence suspects has been postponed for a second time. Photo/FILE
Posted Monday, July 20 2009 at 15:33
In Summary
- A team headed by Justice minister to work on proposals discussed by the Cabinet.
A special meeting of the Kenya Cabinet has failed to agree on the issue of implementing legislation for the establishment of a Special Tribunal.
Instead, a team to be headed by Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs minister Mutula Kilonzo has been tasked to work on proposals that the cabinet discussed.
"After making considerable and substantial progress the cabinet adjourned to next week to enable a team headed by the Minister for Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs to refine the proposals discussed," said a statement from President Kibaki's office.
Rome Statute
During the meeting the cabinet referred to The Rome Statute and The International Crimes Act (Act 16 of 2008).
The minutes of the meeting between International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Ocampo and the Government of Kenya delegation to The Hague on July 3,2009 were also subjected to the deliberations.
It is the second time that the cabinet has postponed making a decision on the formation of a local tribunal to try suspects of the post-election violence.
Last Tuesday, a similar meeting ended without a decision and it was agreed that another cabinet session be held today for further deliberations.
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Submitted by vgogeroPosted July 21, 2009 05:50 PM
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Submitted by Athenaeum
What baloney? This clearly shows that our government is ineffective. They cannot, obviously, agree on "mundane issues" like how to deal with the post-election violence, but they are always unanimous on self-serving matters, say taxes, or pay. How about dissolving parliament and banning any sitting cabinet minister from seeking re-election?
Posted July 20, 2009 11:28 PM -
Submitted by SJ502
Ocampo only needs to pick one...just one perpetrator and preferably the most conspicuous of the ten...the following day there will be a peoples' tribunal set up. That's how things work around here, shock and awe!
Posted July 20, 2009 11:08 PM -
Submitted by keynotes1972
A sign of fears and last kicks of those who know what they did. Justice wheel cannot be stopped. All in all there is need to be careful in the process to bring both justice for the victims and reconciliation to groups involve. Am not sure wether this makes legal sense; but I think three institutions need be made Hague for those bid names who fundend violence, local tribunal to get those who actually perpetrated violence and truth and reconciliation commission. These will take care of all fears and close flaws of possible misscarrage of justice.
Posted July 20, 2009 10:52 PM -
Submitted by muteule
The cabinet is the wrong body to arbitrate the issue. Perhaps all of them are defending tribal, party, or other interests. Should their behaviour suprise us? Even Obama couldnt lead his cabinet to self-incriminate. Lets be real, guys.
Posted July 20, 2009 10:15 PM
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Mr Ocampo should be asked to provide copies of his evidence for a local tribunal,serve as a friend of the court and have the Kenyan Judge serving in the Hague be part of the team. that way a local tribunal can meet International standards