ICC on awareness drive in hotspots

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has embarked on an outreach programme in the North Rift to clear misconceptions about its judicial process.

ICC Outreach Unit Co-ordinator Maria Kamara said their mission is to bridge the gap between the court and victims of the 2007/2008 post-election violence so that the process can proceed smoothly.

Speaking in Burnt Forest in Uasin Gishu yesterday, Ms Kamara said ICC was engaging the affected communities on the process, and to clarify some political myths.

“We are not motivated by politics. This is a judicial institution assisting the aggrieved to get justice for atrocities committed against them,” she said.

Kamara disclosed that officials from the outreach office would give opportunity to the communities to analyse the entire process objectively.

During the Burnt Forest session, locals sought to know the implications of the cases of four Kenyans accused at The Hague on the March 4  General Election.

Mr Joseph Kinyua sought assurances that the cases would not trigger violence.

“We want to be assured of our security because we even fear taking part in elections over the matter,” he said.

Kamara said the sensitisation process would put into consideration the socio-cultural and political dynamics.

“We are providing the victims a platform to express their views on what they think about the initiatives for appropriate action,” said Kamara

She noted that the targeted communities and the victims were receptive and expressed optimism that they would be accorded adequate support.

The ICC official commended the Government for not interfering with the activities of the court even as she promised that justice for the victims would be delivered.

 “The team is currently focusing on critical issues and analysing responses from the concerned parties to ensure fairness is reflected,” she said.

Kamara, however, admitted that the process was facing some challenges, but noted that their consistency in disseminating factual information would make significant changes.

She reaffirmed that ICC would not interfere with Kenya’s politics, saying the court was only keen on statements made by the suspects.

She said the programme was continuous especially in areas that were affected by the violence.

The unit will head to Eldoret East and Moi’s Bridge on Monday.

The ICC team is in the country to prepare for the full hearing of cases facing four Kenyans at the Hague.

The hearing is set to begin in April next year.

The four Kenyans are accused of various crimes against humanity committed during the 2007/2008 post-election violence.

The accused include Deputy Prime minister and TNA presidential aspirant Uhuru Kenyatta and Eldoret North MP William Ruto who is his proposed running mate.