Ban on ICC activities raises storm

Lobby groups in Nakuru have accused a governor of attempting to deny North Rift residents information on the international court.

Recently, Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago banned the International Criminal Court (ICC) outreach coordinator for Kenya and Uganda, Maria Kamara, from holding workshops in Eldoret Town.

Speaking to the Nation yesterday, the groups said the ban was tantamount to returning Kenya to the one-party dictatorship days.

Hurricane Women Human Rights Centre director Ms Jackline Agutu, the coordinator for Social Development and Governance, Mr Robert Njenga, and Mr Walter Mwania of Peace and Development Forum asked the government to lift the ban.

FACTUAL INFORMATION

“The aim of ICC Outreach activities is to provide accurate information on the ongoing cases to communities mostly affected by the post-election violence,” said Ms Agutu.

She said it also aimed at creating awareness and understanding of the judicial proceedings.

“This is the best communication strategy the court can address  communities’ concerns and counter misconceptions,” she added.

The lobby groups reminded Mr Mandago that all ICC Outreach activities were conducted in public.

Mr Mandago claimed that the ICC Outreach activities were aimed at inciting communities against the government.

The lobby groups said governor Mandago acted outside his mandate since matters to do with security were a preserve of the national government dismissed the claims saying the ICC Out reach activities are not meant to collect any evidence or identification of victims or witnesses and that is why such forums are conducted in the open.

They said Kenyans are entitled to receiving factual information regarding ICC judicial process and can only get the right information through such forums.

“Governor Mandago outrageous ban is tantamount to denying Kenyans an opportunity to access information and this is against the spirit of constitution and international quest for justice,” said Mr Njenga.

At the same time the lobby groups said the governor acted outside his mandate as the security issues he is purporting to advance is the function of the national government.

“The national government is fully aware of the ICC Outreach activities in Kenya and therefore the actions of governor Mandago clearly contradict those of national government and should be ignored,” said Mr Mwania.

DEFENDING ICC

Not collecting any evidence 

No evidence: The groups dismissed Governor Jackson Mandago’s incitement claims saying the ICC Outreach activities were not collecting evidence against President Kenyatta, DP Ruto and Mr Joshua arap Sang.

Aware: They said the national government was fully aware of ICC Outreach activities.