ODM disowns move to challenge Hague cases
One arm of the Grand Coalition on Thursday disowned an announcement that the Government will challenge the admissibility of the Kenya cases at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The move by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party came a day after a statement signed by three members of Cabinet claimed Kenya will go to the ICC and challenge the admissibility of the cases as well as the court's jurisdiction over the 2007/2008 post election violence.
The statement was signed by Security Minister Prof George Saitoti, Justice Minister Mutula Kilonzo and Attorney-Generaal Amos Wako, all who were appointed by ODM's coalition partners, the Party of National Unity (PNU).
The ODM termed the plans as a “partial” expression of views by ministers.
Instead, the party announced that it will hold its National Executive Council cum Parliamentary Group meeting on Thursday to deliberate on its position in the coalition.
ODM Secretary General Anyang Nyong’o said: “Two ministers in government spoke which I do not see as any official position of government. I take it as partial expression of views by some ministers which ODM does not necessarily support.”
Prof Nyong’o, deputy chief whip Benjamin Washiali and executive director Janet Ong’era said the NEC/PG will discuss the ICC process and whether three of the suspects who are still holding public office should vacate.
Cabinet
Addressing journalists at Orange House, Prof Nyong’o supported Lands Minister James Orengo assertion that the government should have convened a Cabinet meeting to come out with a shared position on the ICC.
“This is a coalition government and as a party we must have a position,” Prof Nyong’o said.
The Medical Services Minister said Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, who is leading second phase of shuttle diplomacy to lobby UN Security Council members to allow the deferment of the ICC cases on Kenya, should return to the country.
“Three UN Security Council permanent members have said they would not support the plans. His (Mr Musyoka’s) mission looks unpopular,” Prof Nyong’o said.
The suspects - widely referred to as the Ocampo Six - include Head of Civil Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Francis Muthaura, Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Post-Master General Hussein Ali, Tinderet MP Henry Kosgey, Eldoret North’s William Ruto and radio presenter Joshua Sang. The six have been summoned to appear before at the ICC on April 7.
