Lawmakers sing praises to President Uhuru Kenyatta for facing ICC

President Uhuru Kenyatta speaks to his lawyer at ICC courtroom

NAIROBI, KENYA: MPs Wednesday joined the chorus of praise of President Kenyatta's decision to go to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the Status Conference on the pending case against him for crimes against humanity.

It was a one-way debate, with shades of political sycophancy, as MPs said the Head of State had shown 'humility' and 'a lesson in leadership' when he opted to face his accusers after handing over instruments of power to his deputy William Ruto.

The lawmakers threatened to change the law to stifle the operations of non-governmental organisations and some sections of the civil society, which, in their view, are responsible for the President and his deputy's case at the ICC.

The MPs also took issue with their colleagues for 'disparaging' the country in a foreign land, when they rolled on the court stairs and demonstrated in support of the President.

Majority Leader Aden Duale, who was in Mecca, Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage when President Kenyatta addressed the House, said his boss in the Jubilee Coalition had shown the country that he trusted his deputy.

"Even President Kibaki never left power to his co-principal in the coalition government (Raila Odinga) for even a second," Duale said.

The MPs used the opportunity to recall every instance where the President has shed a bit of the stately opulence, to remind Kenyans that "Uhuru was very humble". They even went ahead and cursed those who wanted the Head of State to face his accusers at the international court.

"President Uhuru has demonstrated he is a committed and humble leader. Those who wish him bad luck will never get good luck," said Dalmas Otieno (Rongo).

 SECURITY BLUNDER

Deputy Majority Whip Benjamin Washiali (Mumias East) and deputy Minority Whip Chris Wamalwa (Kiminini) said the President had made a wise move to make the trip to the Netherlands.

"His Excellency is not guilty. If he was, he would not have given power to his deputy. He is sure he is innocent, and that's why he relinquished power...to prove he is a human. He is a man who wants to be where Kenyans are," Washiali said. To Wamalwa, who was in Kampala when the President addressed the House last week, there was nothing extra-ordinary.

"We appreciate the teamwork between the President and his deputy, there's nothing extra-ordinary. As they were giving power to the Deputy President, you should also have been given powers to be the deputy, because you are the third in command," Wamalwa told Speaker Justin Muturi, who presided over the debate. The Speaker just smiled.

The chemistry between President Kenyatta and his deputy, plus the security blunder of having them ride in the same car in packed Nairobi roads also featured in the debate.

"The President showed us that he leads people who trust him and people he trusts. That's why when he returned, he had the confidence to shake hands with the people who had lined up along the road," said Zainab Chidzuga, Kwale.

Other MPs such as Peter Kaluma (Homa Bay) and John Mbadi (Suba) said the President also ought to remember the plight of the victims.

"I expected the speech of the President to take more time on the plight of victims. Many victims from Nyanza were evicted from various parts of the country. Internally Displaced Persons compensation regime was skewed," said Kaluma.

George Omondi (Alego Usonga) said the handing of power to Ruto was a stroke of genius from the President.

"We don't blame the President for that drama. He is a politician. He played politics and managed to put URP back to the fold, because they were saying they were being sidelined," said Omondi.

Cecily Mbarire said she will move a Motion to punish the civil society.