Jubilee softens stand on President Uhuru Kenyatta video trial

President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto during a press briefing in the past. (Photo:Standard)

By Renson Mnyamwezi

Kenya: Jubilee leaders now want the trial of President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto done through video technology, even after blasting the UK government for proposing the same last week.

Senate Majority Leader Kindiki Kithure said Sunday President Uhuru and his deputy Ruto should be allowed to skip the on-going court proceedings at the ICC. Mr Kithure said ICC should treat the Kenyan leaders in a special way following their election.

Speaking in Voi town, accompanied by Taveta MP Naomi Shaban, Kithure who represented Ruto in a funds drive in aid of Taita-Taveta ACK Cathedral said the two leaders should be allowed to run the country and also meet international obligations.

Full mandate

“The sitting president and his deputy should be allowed to discharge their duties without interference going by the fact they were given full mandate by Kenyans. Kenya has numerous challenges that need the two leader’s attention,” he said.

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Other leaders in attendance included; Taita Taveta Governor John Mruttu, County Woman Representative Joyce Wanjala Lay, ACK Arch Bishop Dr Eliud Wabukala, Taita-Taveta ACK Bishop Dr Samson Mwaluda and Commission on Implementation of the Constitution Commissioner Philemon Mwaisaka.

Elsewhere, political strategist Tony Gachoka has urged Kenyatta’s administration to accept the proposal for attending The Hague trials via video link saying it is the best bet for Kenya.

“The immunity strategy is difficult and a year away at best yet the Video Link amendment is confined to rules and procedure,” Mr Gachoka argued.

Proposed amendment

But Leader of Majority in Parliament Aden Duale still slammed the ICC over the UK government’s proposal for use of video technology. 

Speaking in Garissa over the weekend, Mr Duale insisted that the manner in which the proposal, which looks likely to be passed through an amendment of the Rome Statute at the ongoing Assembly of States Parties at The Hague was tabled, claiming it proves the court is a political tool.