Global village reality unfolds across Kenya

They sat quietly, sipping tea served with chapati or mandazi, while others opted for soft drinks — the only beverage the Mututho Laws allowed at the time.

At that moment on Thursday, Kenyans witnessed the reality that the world is indeed, a global village.

In Nairobi, some marvelled at the advancement of technology that made The Hague come so close yet was so far away, while in Eldoret, they listened pensively as three of the ICC accused and their lawyers introduced themselves.

Making full use of the ICC built-in video that offers live broadcasts to the world, Eldoret residents jammed restaurants and hotels where they openly showed their loyalty for the accused and disliking for the ICC in equal measure.

In this one way communication, the court, thousands of miles away, was immunity against being whisked into cells for contempt.

Mr William Ruto was applauded for his spirited bid to state his innocence from Day One; Mr Sang’ elicited laughter when he introduced himself as an innocent journalist.

The Eldoret North MP also cheered when he likened the charges against him to a movie. Many freely laughed off what they described as unreasonable allegations against their leaders.

“These trials should be speeded up. (Mr) Ruto seems very upset by the allegations and the faster the truth comes out the better,” noted Mr Geoffrey Okello, when the MP was cut short as he tried to explain his innocence.

Some supported calls by Mr Kosgey that the suspects be furnished with more detail about the nature of their accusations to enable them prepare adequately.

“The beginning has indicated that the process is likely to be fair and our leaders seem sure of their innocence,” said Mr Hezekiah Tarus, who was watching the unfolding events from a hotel near the main bus terminus.

He added: “A ruling should be made before the General Election so those with presidential interests can contest.”

In the city’s Kawangware Sokoni, self-acclaimed political analysts took strategic positions and “wittingly” broke down the ICC process to eager ears.

“Our ears are at The Hague though we are physically in Kawangware,” 20-year-old Ali Chez told the Nation. There was no electricity in the area, so TVs were dead.

But residents were content with the radio commentaries in the various radio stations both by presenters and guests.

Suspended minister William Ruto, Tinderet MP Henry Kosgey and vernacular radio presenter Joshua Sang were in the dock of courtroom 1 at 10.33am.

It was as though all radios in matatus, taxis and personal cars had been switched on. “If local courts have nullified elections of MPs because of irregularities, I’m confident we can sort out the post election violence cases,” said Mr Mwangi Erastus from Kawangware.

Discussions were mainly by the youth and men while the women preferred to follow from what they considered a safe distance.

Mr Stephen Karuru, 25, a trader, stressed the need to focus on forgiveness and reconciliation before resorting to international courts for justice.

He cited Rwanda as a success story where genocide perpetrators have been rehabilitated and are performing community service. “Our 43 tribes are united by one flag and constitution,” Mr Karuru pointed out.

Mr David Ndung’u a taxi driver called on the government to focus on settling IDPs instead of funding the international trips. “Our brothers and sisters are still suffering in the camps,” he said.

Others were however, disappointed that too much emphasis had been given to The Hague at the expense of issues like the World Health Day that was nationally celebrated at the Riruta Health Centre in Kawangware.

Kenyans escorting the Ocampo Six comprises 107 people, including 40 MPs, political activists, relatives and supporters.

Take to the stand

On Friday, Deputy Prime minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Civil Service boss Francis Muthaura and former Police Commissioner Hussein Ali take to the stand in the same court at 4.30pm. Kawangware residents hope there will be electricity.

On Thursday, some IDPs interviewed, said the government should establish a local tribunal to try other post poll suspects.

“We are advocating for a local mechanism that will see the small fish who were used to commit various atrocities also see their day in court,” said David Karanja from Burnt Forest.

North Rift IDPs chair Stephen Gathuo appealed to Kenyans to wait for The Hague process to be completed saying if there was insufficient evidence the suspects, they would remain free.

In Tinderet Constituency where Mr Kosgey comes from, there was an aura of calm as the ICC proceedings went on.

Reported by Dennis Odunga, Joy Wanja, Samuel Koech and Tom Matoke