Kenyans have been urged to trust the International Criminal Court process and let justice run its course.
The civil society appealed to the nation to remain calm and peaceful ahead of the ICC ruling on confirmation or dropping of charges on Monday.
“We urge the country to remember that the ICC process is really for the victims and despite all the protestation by politicians to the contrary, the ICC process is judicial and not political,” said Kenya Commission on Human Rights Commission Director Atsango Chesoni.
The group under Kenyans for Peace with Truth and Justice (KPTJ) further asked the Government to cooperate with the ICC regardless of the outcome of the court ruling.
“We note that the court’s decision, whatever the outcome, will be an important step forward in ensuring justice for victims of the crimes that occurred during the 2007 and 2008 post-election violence.
Accept verdict
The civil society reaffirmed that they will accept the verdict of the court whether the charges are confirmed or not.
“We point out that all parties will be free to appeal the decision if they so wish and that is their right, which we support.
In addition the chamber is free to call for additional evidence on any issue,” said Africog’s Director Gladwell Otieno in statement on behalf of the group Friday at a Nairobi hotel.
They stressed that the ICC process is meant to give reprieve to victims of PEV saying it was unfortunate that public debate continues
to focus on the fates of the main suspects rather than the victims.
KPTJ also demanded that should the charges be confirmed, President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga should suspend from office Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Head of Civil Service Francis Muthaura and Post Master General Mohammed Ali in line with Chapter Six of Constitution that deals with character and integrity.
Vacate office
“The accused public officials should also vacate office on their volition pursuant to the statements they made that they will cooperate with the ICC in the event of confirmation of charges,” said Chesoni.
They said it was unacceptable that suspects of crimes against humanity have continued to occupy senior public offices and that some even purport to stand as candidates to lead this nation.
The lobby group further asked the two principals to set up a local mechanism to try other perpetrators of violence.
“Even if all the charges were to be confirmed against all the suspects, this would by no means release the Government from its duty to bring justice, restitution and solace for victims of violence,” Chesoni said.
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