Kenya pledges adequate security after ICC ruling

Internal Security minister Prof George Saitoti on Sunday said Kenya will provide adequate security to deal with unruly cases after the International Criminal Court (ICC) ruling on Monday.

On Monday at 1:30pm, the ICC pre-trial chamber judges will determine whether the six Kenyan suspects will be committed to a full trial.

The first case is against former Higher Education Minister William Ruto, former Industrialization Minister Henry Kosgey, and radio presenter Joshua arap Sang are accused of murder, forcible transfer and persecution.

In the second case, Cabinet Secretary Francis Muthaura, Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and former police chief Mohammed Hussein Ali are accused of murder, forcible transfer, rape, persecution and other inhumane acts.

Prof Saitoti also declined to comment on whether the presidential hopefuls should contest for the presidency if the charges are confirmed.

“We should avoid speculation and taking advantage of other people’s misfortunes. Let justice take its course,” he said.

However, Prof Saitoti urged that the court process be respected and also asked interested parties wishing to appeal against the ICC ruling to do so in peace.

Respect ICC mandate

Provincial Administration and Internal Security permanent secretary Francis Kimemia in a press statement said “it should be noted that ICC is a routine court with specific mandate and it’s the expectation of Kenyans and the international community that justice will be upheld and be seen to be done.”

“We would like to make special appeal to the accused to also keep peace. We appreciate the remarks made by the two leaders Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta and Hon. William Ruto urging Kenyans to keep peace, whatever the outcome on Monday,” Mr Kimemia said.

Mr Kimemia said the victims should also know under the Rome Statute either party could appeal against the ICC decision.

“Monday will therefore, not be fate accompli for the victims and the accused! We urge for calm,” Mr Kimemia said.

The PS warned that any leader irrespective of status who incites people, before or after the ruling will be held individually accountable and responsible.

“We will deliberately target public meeting places including drinking dens where conflict easily occur between few individuals and get escalated across communities. The rule of law should be upheld at all times,” Mr Kimemia said.