Groups welcome trial of four at The Hague

Lobby groups have welcomed the decision by the International Criminal Court to try four prominent Kenyans over the poll chaos.

They described the ruling by the Pre-Trial Chamber as a major step towards justice for victims of the violence, even as they piled pressure on President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga to suspend Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Head of Civil Service Francis Muthaura.

The two are among the four suspects who had their charges confirmed by the court based in The Hague. The others are Eldoret North MP William Ruto and radio presenter Joshua arap Sang.

The charges against Postmaster-General Hussein Ali and Tinderet MP Henry Kosgey were dismissed for lack of evidence.

On Tuesday, Ms Elizabeth Evenson, an official of Human Rights Watch said the government must take adequate steps to ensure that the ruling did not lead to violence in the country.

“Trials will break decades of impunity for political violence in Kenya,” said Ms Evenson.

She spoke as the European Union urged those committed to full trial before the ICC to cooperate with the court.

“The Kenyan Government must also respect its obligations as a State Party to the Rome Statute of the ICC,” said Ms Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

She added: “The EU supports the court and its independence. Justice, reconciliation and accountability are pivotal for the lasting stability of Kenya.”

Elsewhere, the International Commission of Jurists said the 1,133 people killed, 900 sexually assaulted and the thousands of Kenyans who were displaced during the violence would finally get justice.

“We support the court’s ruling confirming the charges against Ruto, Sang, Muthaura and Kenyatta,” said Mr George Kegoro, executive director of the ICJ Kenya chapter.