The party’s over; now a dose of realism needed

The party is over, it’s time to get back to work. President Kenyatta’s triumphant return Thusrday from the International Criminal Court provided the stage for great celebration.

After all the expressions of joy and solidarity, Kenyans must get back to the more serious, if routine and humdrum, business of providing for themselves and their families, and making own little contributions to growth, prosperity and a better Kenya for all.

That the president went to The Hague and sat through proceedings his supporters fell exposed the paucity of the prosecution case may be milked politically for all it is worth, but there must be room for a healthy dose of realism.

First, the case is not yet won until the court rules so. Secondly, unless dismissal is granted,  we must be accept that the millstone could continue hanging around President Kenyatta’s neck for some time to come.

UNDUE DRAMA

If that happens, a big lesson from the status conference is that there is nothing to raise the hackles and no need for undue drama if the president is again required to be present in court.

The president, ignoring advice from some hardline allies, made the decision to obey the court and appear when summoned. He thus demonstrated fidelity to the rule of law and respect for the ICC, which is domesticated under Kenyan law.

If, indeed, the prosecution case is close to collapse, any celebrations will have to be muted by the realisation that any closure will leave unfinished business in both justice for the victims of the 2007-2008 post-election violence, and absence of any credible moves towards long-term peace and reconciliation in the areas hit by the violence.

Those are the areas we must begin to focus on.