Politics
EU piles pressure on Kenya over poll trials
Besides the human toll, property of unknown value was destroyed during the post election violence. Photo/FILE
Posted Monday, July 27 2009 at 22:30
Under the agreement, signed by ministers Mutula Kilonzo, James Orengo and Attorney General Amos Wako, the Kenyan Government will ask the ICC to take over the prosecution if laws establishing the local tribunal are not enacted by end of September.
Similar urgency, the EU ministers said, should be applied to constitutional, judicial and police reforms which are detailed in the National Accord signed by President Kibaki and Mr Odinga on February 28, last year, to end nearly two months of violence.
Even though some measures have been taken such as setting up of taskforces and commissions, the EU ministers said the Kenyan Government should move with greater speed “with priority given to comprehensive constitutional reform, electoral reform, police and judicial reform as well as enhanced measures to put an end to impunity for crimes related to violence and corruption.”
The ministers, who were also critical of Kenya’s human rights record, called for action against those guilty of violating the freedoms of others.
“The council expresses its deep concern over reports of human rights violations and threats against human rights defenders as well as reports on extrajudicial killings.
Unlawful killings
“It calls upon the government to promptly investigate and bring to justice all perpetrators of unlawful killings, including perpetrators within the security forces,” their statement said.
Even if the Cabinet agrees on a local tribunal, it faces an uphill task in getting the necessary laws passed in Parliament, which has rejected a similar law in the past.
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Submitted by naliweliwaloPosted July 28, 2009 09:58 PM
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Submitted by vgogero
They should then provide the funds to hire external judges like the Kenyan lady serving at the Hague .Justice retired Akiwumi and even Justice Waki .Mr Ocampo should provide the Prosecutor his assistance and he should be friend of the Court.
Posted July 28, 2009 05:49 PM -
Submitted by naribiro
Kenya should put presure on Gordon Brown to resign, the opposition 'conservatives'want him to go now because of his dictatorial attitude.
Posted July 28, 2009 04:58 PM -
Submitted by mwariri
why do EU think its okey to dictate in our country?don't you think we have enough brains to act without your helping hand?you should fast pay the mau mau families for what you did to them and then open yous mouth to put pressure on our country.jesus christ,i wonder what is behind all these pressure
Posted July 28, 2009 12:34 AM -
Submitted by olegaita66
We do not trust the local tribunal,let the Hague deal with this issue.We already compromised our sovereignty by not going after people like Ruto .
Posted July 27, 2009 11:57 PM
RSS
Let the EU first pile pressure on the Iranian govt to stop the killings and relinquish power before we discuss the Kenyan option! Kenya is a sovereign country, and does not need ultimatums from the EU. The EU needs to clean house anyway, too many atrocities to count!