Hague: Mind image on fate of ICC pair

British Foreign Secretary William Hague said Friday Kenyans must mind their international image when deciding the eligibility of Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Eldoret North MP William Ruto Ruto for the presidency in next elections.

International Criminal Court (ICC) pre-trial judges have confirmed charges of crimes against humanity against Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto and committed them to trial over the 2008 post-election violence.

The two have since indicated that they will appeal against the ruling.

Mr Hague was addressing a press briefing on Friday regarding his Horn of Africa tour when he was asked if the presidential ambitions of some of the four ICC suspects went against efforts to end impunity in the country.

In response, Mr Hague said: “I don’t want to be dragged into details of the Kenyan politics.”

However, without elaborating, he added Kenya “should be concerned about its international reputation.”

The Constitutional Court had on Thursday issued an order barring public discussion on the eligibility of Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Eldoret North MP William Ruto to run in the next presidential elections until a case before it is heard and determined.

Justice Isaac Lenaola issued the orders in response to a petition by three voters and two civil societies seeking to block Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto from vying for the Presidency in the next elections.

The petition is scheduled for hearing on February 17, 2012.

The visiting Foreign Secretary said Britain supports the ICC and its work worldwide “as the court has an important role to play.”

Mr Hague's response is at odds with the stance of the Kenyan government. Attorney General Githu Muigai, acting on instructions from President Kibaki, has formed a legal panel that is to among other things advice the government on the jurisdiction of ICC over the Kenyan cases, as well as question the admissibility of the cases at the Hague court.

Mr Hague made his remarks at a press briefing held at Ole Sereni Hotel after holding talks with President Kibaki, Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Internal Security Minister George Saitoti and Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetangula.

He said said he was interested to hear about Kenya’s progress in overcoming the legacy of the post election violence.

“All of Kenya’s friends welcome and support these actions. Britain will be a reliable friend and partner and will support Kenya as it continues down this path of reform,” Mr Hague said.

Mr Hague also said he discussed with the two principals issues on bilateral trade, the reform programme, the forthcoming elections and security issues including Somalia.

At an earlier press briefing, Mr Hague had expressed satisfaction with the Amisom-led military mission in Somalia that has seen the troubled country show signs of recovery.

“The security situation has improved, I saw that for myself in Mogadishu yesterday (Thursday). Ninety-eight percent of the city is secured by AMISOM forces and TFG forces who have worked with them,” said Mr Hague.