Stephen Rapp says he has seen pictures of Rwanda genocide suspect Felicien Kabuga in Kenyan neighbourhoods. The United States Ambassador for War Crimes adds to the accusations emanating from current and former officials of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. However, he, like the others who have made this claim, is yet to provide evidence of the fugitive’s presence in Kenya or of prominent persons hiding him.

His government, which issues travel bans for officials suspected of corruption or blocking democratic reforms, has not taken any action on the basis of such information. The United Nations, ICTR, Interpol and other internati-onal bodies have made no move to reveal or punish those assisting Kabuga evade justice. Surely this is not how it should work.

It is common knowledge that Kabuga, a master of disguise, did live in luxury in Kenya under the protection of high ranking Kanu government officials. Proof he is still here would be an indictment of the Kibaki administration. Given that there is no recent photo to help Kenyans who may want the $5 million reward, Mr Rapp or whoever has this evidence has to release it to the public.

If Kenyan authorities will not co-operate under ICTR pressure, public involvement is needed. It does little good for Rapp and his former boss at the ICTR Mr Hassan Jallow to complain but never seek help in the capture. What is it that has them convinced Kabuga is in Kenya, not (as some claim with equal certainty) in hiding in lawless parts of DR Congo?