Leaders split over funds for Ocampo Six

A Cabinet minister has called on the government to help finance the legal fees of the six post-election violence suspects.

Planning minister Wycliffe Oparanya said the six going to The Hague were still innocent.

He spoke as Central Kenya MPs on Monday appeared divided on whether to raise funds to assist all the six post-election violence suspects.

While a section of MPs wanted the funds raised for all suspects, others said the focus should be on their allies only.

At a news conference, Energy minister Kiraitu Murungi said they were seeking at least Sh150 million for each suspect to enable them get quality legal representation at The Hague.

“We shall not discriminate... we will mobilise all resources and hire the best lawyers so that the suspects are fully represented at The Hague,” Mr Murungi said.

He went on: “We shall discuss with other MPs and see if we shall raise sufficient funds. All the people going to The Hague are Kenyans.”

However, Mukurwe-ini MP Kabando wa Kabando suggested that the financial help should not be extended to those who did not contribute to their kitty for the resettlement of internally displaced persons.

“We are concerned with members from Central Kenya. Those who did not contribute to our kitty should not be entitled to these funds unless negotiated,” he said.

However, Naivasha MP John Mututho said the matter had not been fully discussed and would be made public once concluded.

The MPs, however, were unanimous that they will support a motion by Chepalungu legislator Isaac Ruto, which urges the government to withdraw from the Rome Statute.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday issued a statement, saying that he had not called for a harambee to raise money for his defence.

The Gatundu South MP said he had received numerous goodwill messages with some expressing interest in raising money to defend him when trials open at the Hague.