Those who want Kenya to pull out of ICC may live to regret it

What you need to know:

  • An MP recently explained during the debate on the Security Bill that Jaramogi Oginga Odinga was the first victim of the detention without trial laws that he (Jaramogi) moved in the House in the 1960s.

Kenya is among 100 states that 10 years ago signed the Rome Statute and became a member of the ICC.

Relations remained cordial until 2011 when all hell broke loose after some Kenyans were indicated for their alleged involvement in the 2007/08 post election violence.

Kenyans are still divided: some want the country to remain in, while others want Kenya to pull out of, the ICC. The divide is political and tribal.

Those agitating for Kenya’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute may have their reasons. Perhaps of they could see beyond their noses, 50 years from now, they would revise their present position. This is because the current supporters of the withdrawal from ICC might be its first casualties.

An MP recently explained during the debate on the Security Bill that Jaramogi Oginga Odinga was the first victim of the detention without trial laws that he (Jaramogi) moved in the House in the 1960s.

History has a way of repeating itself. My position is that the Rome Statute and the ICC should remain as additional shields to protect the meek and vulnerable. Those needy moments might come knocking when those currently in power are out in the cold.

Like or hate Luis Moreno Ocampo, the former Chief Prosecutor was right to say the ICC prevented violence during the 2013 General Election.

S R ATHEMBO ONYURO, Kisumu