Remain peaceful no matter outcome: Ruto
What you need to know:
- Those who intend to cause mayhem will be dealt with, warns Saitoti
One of the Ocampo Six awaiting the ruling of the International Criminal Court on the post- election violence on Thursday called for peace regardless of the outcome.
Eldoret North MP William Ruto said Kenya was bigger than anyone and efforts at peace, reconciliation and national integration should continue whether some or all of them were freed or committed to full trial.
The call coincided with that of ICC judges handling the Kenyan case releasing a video message. The calls appeared to be in response to reports that tension had gripped parts of the country ahead of the ruling.
The message from the pre-trial chamber judges led by Ekaterina Trendafilova was relayed via a video posted on YouTube while Mr Ruto called a press conference to appeal for peace.
The judges asked Kenyans to accept the court’s decision. ICC spokesman Fadi el Abdallah said: “The judges have reiterated their appeal to all Kenyans to refrain from engaging in any actions that may endanger the security, the property or the safety of any victim or witness, and to also refrain from engaging in actions likely to raise tensions in the country”.
The judges stressed that the six remained innocent until their cases were concluded even if the pre-trial chamber confirmed the charges. (READ: Hague court may freeze assets of the Ocampo Six)
Mr Ruto on his part said:“We must as a people remain faithful to our commitment to maintain peace, promote national integration and enhance cohesion amongst ourselves.
“There are no reasons for any tension and anxiety,” he added.
The peace calls were echoed by Internal Security minister George Saitoti, who warned those planning to cause mayhem that they would be dealt with ruthlessly regardless of their status in society.
Other leaders including former Cabinet minister Maina Kamanda and Maendeleo ya Wanawake chairperson Rukia Subow called for peace and acceptance of the verdict.
Judges Trendafilova, Hans-Peter Kaul and Cuno Tarfusser are expected to announce their ruling latest Monday.
