Raila Odinga differs with MP over ICC trials

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at a past function. PHOTO/FILE

What you need to know:

  • The two leaders differed during the funeral service of retired Anglican Archbishop the late Dr David Gitari
  • The former PM said he never played any role in the ICC cases
  • Mr Odinga denied ever undermining President Kenyatta

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari on Thursday clashed over International Criminal Court cases facing President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto.

The two leaders differed during the funeral service of retired Anglican Archbishop the late Dr David Gitari at Kerugoya Stadium in Kirinyaga County.

Addressing hundreds of mourners, the MP accused Mr Odinga of pushing for the prosecution of President Kenyatta at the ICC.

"With due respect former PM, give our President time to serve. You should also tell Mr Koffi Annan to keep off the discussion by leaders of African States who want the ICC cases to be taken back to Africa," he said.

Mr Gitari said all the former presidential candidates conceded defeat after the March 4 elections except Mr Odinga whom he claimed was making it difficult for President Kenyatta to deliver on his pre-election pledges.

"All the presidential losers including Mr Paul Muite who is here today admitted that they lost to Mr Kenyatta except Mr Odinga. He should give our president space to serve Kenyans," he said.

When he rose to speak, Mr Odinga denied ever influencing the cases to be taken to the ICC and accused the MP of misleading Kenyans present at the service.

The former PM said he never played any role in the ICC cases.

"I never had any influence in these cases. If anything, I defended the President and others accused of committing crimes against humanity," he said.

LOCAL TRIBUNAL

Mr Odinga strongly defended himself saying he told Parliament that those named as perpetrators of the post-election violence should be tried locally.

“As I was fighting for the local tribunal to be formed in Kenya to try the suspects, the MP who is now crucifying me, and his colleagues were shouting do not be vague, let us go to Hague."

"The MP is not honest. He was among those who preferred Hague and they voted in Parliament. Now that things have gone wrong, he is looking for a scapegoat," he said.

Mr Odinga told the MP not blame him for the ICC cases saying he was a clean person who never wished the President and his deputy anything bad.

Further Mr Odinga denied ever undermining the President, maintaining that he was close to him.

He reminded the MP that when terrorists attacked the Westgate mall killing 67 people and injuring 175 others, he was among the first to call the President to comfort him.

"I joined hands with the president when terrorist invaded the mall and killed our people. We are not enemies. I'm a Kenya who loves his country and what the MP is telling you is not true," he said.

Mr Odinga eulogised the departed clergyman as a true Kenyan who loved truth and justice in Kenya.

The former PM described Dr Gitari as a great preacher who was an enemy of bad governance and tribalism and told other church leaders to emulate him.

In his message of condolence read by Gachoka MP Mutava Musyimi, President Kenyatta said he learnt of the demise of Dr Gitari with great sadness.

The Head of State encouraged the bereaved family saying Dr Gitari was a great man of God who stood for truth.

Anglican Church head Reverend Eliud Wabukala said the Church had lost a great man whose good leadership and integrity will forever be remembered.