Winning polls won't stop ICC trials, Raila tells Uhuru, Ruto
Prime Minister Raila Odinga (left) accompanied by Orange Democratic Movement Party Chairman Henry Kosgey and Roads Minister Franklin Bett chat with Tirop Sengeiywa and other elders drawn from the North Rift during a meeting with elders held at Kenmosa Village in Eldoret town. PHOTO / JARED NYATAYA
Prime Minister Raila Odinga has told Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Eldoret North MP William Ruto that victory in the coming presidential election will not protect them from trials at the International Criminal Court.
Mr Odinga cited Sudan President Omar Bashir who still has an ICC arrest warrant hanging over his head despite his head of state status.
The Prime Minister said he will push for the Kenyan cases to be referred to a local tribunal if elected president. He said ongoing reforms in the judiciary and reconciliation among Kenyans are sufficient grounds to argue for a referral.
He recounted how the initial push for a local tribunal had been frustrated by members of Parliament who advocated for the Hague option.
The Prime Minister made the remarks at a meeting with elders drawn from the North Rift at Kenmosa Village in Eldoret town on Monday.
Mr Odinga reiterated his call for forgiveness for any wrongs he committed against the Kalejins and urged the community to support him for the presidency in the March 4, 2013 general elections.
The Kalejin elders and leaders from the North Rift region and Mt Elgon denounced political alliance between The National Alliance (TNA) and United Republican Party (URP) and cautioned community members against being misled by personal interests to support the coalition.
They further defended the PM against accusations that he was behind the crimes against humanity charges facing Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto at The Hague.
