The tenure of the just retired International Criminal Court prosecutor  Luis Moreno-Ocampo was eventful and sometimes controversial, perhaps due to his abrasive and bare-knuckle approach.

Like him or hate him, the flamboyant Moreno-Ocampo was a no-nonsense and ruthless prosecutor whose core mission and focus was to ensure the rule of law prevails and justice is seen to be done for victims of international crimes.

Also, it was within his mandate and ICC jurisdiction to deal with raw impunity, and most specifically in Africa, where there are the highest cases of crimes against humanity against innocent and defenceless citizens by their own leaders.

It is important to note that most of these crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, rape, and genocide could not be tried in the countries where they were committed  hence need for the establishment of The Hague-based court.

Some cynics, pessimists and prophets of doom, both within and outside Kenya, have been spreading massive propaganda to the effect that the  indefatigable former ICC prosecutor and, to some extent, the ICC, is biased against Africa and that Western countries have a hidden agenda to re-colonise Africa!

Obsolete systems

This is a figment of their imagination. They have been economical with the truth. More importantly, most of those who are opposed to the ICC trials are real beneficiaries of impunity and the malfunctioning and obsolete judicial system in some African countries.

Now is that rare moment in African recent history when all countries of the continent that really value the dignity of mankind and rule of law stood up and jointly fought impunity and infringement of inherent human rights. This would help instal democracy in the continent.

For Moreno-Ocampo, who successfully got some landmark convictions, history will judge him favourably for his immense contribution to fighting impunity in Africa.

He helped to institutionalise the rule of law, democracy and respect for human rights by African governments.

He has also substantially raised the profile and credibility of the ICC, built and established structures of the ICC prosecutor’s office from scratch to a more respected, professional, and modern prosecutor office that is not only barking, but also ready to bounce and bite perpetrators of horrendous international crimes and bring them to justice.

This will ultimately, make African leaders and even beyond to respect citizens rights.

Effective prosecutor

Although, occasionally Ocampo has been accused of playing to the public gallery, his overall performance was indeed above average. His bare-knuckle and ruthlessness approach to ensure justice is done are qualities of effective prosecutor.

There’s no way you can hold such a high profile and demanding international office and you are not passionate, self-driven and focused to ensure justice is done.

Fence-sitting and double speak will simply not be an option.

Finally, Ocampo will forever be remembered and missed mostly by Kenyans in the manner he took the powerful, mighty, moneyed and well-connected politicians in a style never seen in independent Kenya.

This has substantially helped to instill real fear on the many Kenya’s tribal warlords and merchants of impunity.

It is now evident in Kenya you can’t commit or facilitate international crimes and get away with it.

Ocampo presence and action has surely instilled restraint in political class especially during this electioneering period.

The current coalition Government may not honour or recognise Ocampo, but the next, after seeing the fruits of his deeds, should award him with a State medal for his contribution in fighting impunity and injustice in this nation.

I now join the world to wish Ocampo all the very best in his new endeavour at Fifa.

{Enock Onsando, Mombasa}

Take action against indolent ministers

Yesterday, MPs complained about the tendency of Cabinet ministers failing to answer questions in Parliament. Ministers have a habit of making ‘technical appearances’ in Parliament and then disappearing.

This is mischief and the ministers should be made to understand they are solely responsibility and directly answerable to the peoples’ representees on matters concerning their dockets.

It was so unfurnate for MP to ask a question only to be told the responsible minister was having a cup of tea outside the House. Does it mean the minister was not aware of the schedule in the Order Paper?

Parliament should take appropriate action against such ministers to instill responsibility among leaders to serve Kenyans, and do so rightly.

Questions and grievances raised by MPs in Parliament are always the needs and concerns of Kenyans they represent in the House. Failure to answer such questions amounts to failure on the part of leader concerned.

{Hillary Henry Mageka, Nairobi}

It’s wrong to link ICC process to polls

The four Kenyans accused of masterminding the 2008 post-election violence have differed over the right time for ICC to start their trials at The Hague.

While Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Eldoret North MP, William Ruto, and journalist Joshua arap Sang prefer the impending trials be done after March elections, former the Head of Civil Service and Cabinet Secretary Francis Muthaura wants it as soon as possible – even before the elections.

I believe our elections have no direct links to ICC decision on when to try the Ocampo Four. If the prosecutors and witnesses are ready, the accused persons should not impede the process.

{Brenda Chekata, Nairobi}

Enforce new order on bars to save learners

The directive by Education Secretary George Godia to have all bars and drinking dens located within radius of 300m from schools closed is welcome.

Prof Godia just got it right because, for ages, school children have been an affected lot due to proximity to the drinking joints.

Apart from noise and other disruptions, some learners have been sneaking to the joints at night or collude with waiters to have drinks delivered at school fences.

We hope stakeholders will ensure the order is executed.

{Julius Otieno, Eldoret}

CJ’s proposal simply can’t work, for now

The proposal by Chief Justice Willy Mutunga that presidential aspirants should hold joint political rallies as a sign of peace is a bad joke. This cannot be embraced by political leaders or even their followers for genuine reasons.

First, this is a recipe for violence given the nature of political campaigns in past elections. Violence in the sense that the different ideologies, philosophies, and schools of thought carried by the various politicians and their supporters will not land on any soft spots. Political differences, animosity and rivalry displayed by political leaders will be the first factor in the eruption of violence. They are known for conducting campaigns of name-calling, insults and mudslinging. Unless this culture is changed, this idea will not work.

Undue advantage

Secondly, if we adopt this proposal, some politicians will be riding on the backs of other fellows. Some politicians are known to have great influence in different regions. Others barely get a handful in political meetings. Joint political rallies will give some undue advantage over others in terms of resources and mobilisation of people. Some politicians may not contribute even a single cent towards the success of the gathering unless tough measures are set to govern contribution.

Thirdly, this will limit the outreach of politicians since they will be forced to follow a fixed schedule of events. This, in turn, limits them from taking personal initiative to reach the people of their choice and some areas will be disadvantaged because politicians might never reach there to sell their policies. As a result, people will be forced to vote on ethnic lines or on levels of popularity of politicians and not ideology.

Again, this is just like advancing call for parties to form coalitions. Parties and politicians will arrange for political meetings with partners they can merge with.

Further, the campaigns will trigger confusion and mixed understanding of messages by politicians. For instance, some leaders have expressed support for outlawed groups like MRC and Mungiki while others do not. If these leaders share a platform in a rally, what message do they convey?

Dr Mutunga may be having his side of the argument and it might be healthy, but he must weigh the consequences as well.

{Koome Kimonye, Nairobi}

Feedback

Prophetess’ warning on elections and tragedies

Kenyans shouldn’t ignore the warning of Josephine Nyaboke (the prophetess). What will it cost to organise a national repentance and prayer day to seek God’s face?

Mum

One thing is evident, as a nation, we have turned away from God and we truly need to humble ourselves and repent to avert God’s wrath.

Michael Wanyama

It’s time we engaged the service of spiritual leaders to discern whose messenger Nyaboke (pictured) is. According to the Bible, a true prophet must have the testimony of Jesus Christ and live according to God’s commandments. Never ever be deceived by false prophets. Some are good guessers and not prophets.

Amesh

If indeed she was a prophetess, she could have been of help before the tragedies, but not trying to justify her gambling after disasters. Why portray God as a monster?

Raitmaka

It’s up to Kenyans to decide whether to accept or reject the prophecy. However, we should repent as a country, a community and as individuals.

Jully

The truth is we are not doing well, as a nation, but if we went on our knees, I am sure God will hear us and grant us the peace, love and unity that we continually pray for in our national anthem.

Philemon

As sure as the Lord God is on the throne and He reigns over the world, if Kenyans won’t turn from being faithless and arrogance, He will humble them.

Mukurino

The bottom line is we need to turn to God and stop trusting too much on our leaders.

Amos D

Let’s not be frightened by prophecies. Deuteronomy 18:22 Matthew 24:23-26 and Matthew 7:14-17 are clear about prophecies.

Iryiry