UK denies Kibaki ICC plot

The United Kingdom has denied it is behind an alleged plot to have the International Criminal Court indict President Kibaki over the 2007/8 post election violence March 9, 2012. FILE

The United Kingdom has denied it is behind an alleged plot to have the International Criminal Court indict President Kibaki over the 2007/8 post election violence.

Through its Mission in Nairobi, the UK said the allegation made in Kenya's Parliament Thursday was "a smear campaign".

In a statement, The British High Commission said the leaked documents tabled by Yatta MP Charles Kilonzo alleging a conspiracy by Kenya's colonial ruler to have the ICC indict the President and detain Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Eldoret North MP William Ruto, who face charges of crime against humanity, were not genuine.

"The policy of Her Majesty’s Government is not to comment on leaked documents. However, having seen copies of the documents in question, we would like to assure the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that these are not genuine," said the Embassy.

"Evidence of this includes both the misleading and implausible content and a plethora of spelling and grammatical mistakes."

In Parliament, Mr Kilonzo alleged that the UK preferred Prime Minister Raila Odinga to be the next president so that he could facilitate the handing over of President Kibaki to the ICC.

The document also indicated that the UK wants Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto arrested for allegedly threatening the security of the country through their so-called “prayer rallies” .

However, the UK said the claims were part of a scheme to undermine its relations with Kenya and poison the political climate ahead of the next elections. Britain said it had no interest in any "particular" outcome in the next General Election.

"As the British Government has made clear in both public and private, the UK has no interest in any particular outcome in the General Election and is not backing any particular candidates or parties."

"We support transparent, credible, peaceful elections which produce results that the people of Kenya, of whatever political persuasion, accept as the legitimate expression of the will of the people. We are and will remain non partisan," the UK said.

The High Commission said it would not engage in a drawn-out exchange over the matter only restating its respect for Kenya and its people.

"We do not intend to comment further on the issue of documents, nor will we undertake a running public commentary on this unscrupulous agenda. We trust that the Government of Kenya will resist these attempts to sour our relationship, and its negative impact on Kenya in this crucial year," it said.