Why Ocampo list has angered PNU members

By GAKUU MATHENGE - gmathenge@standardmedia.co.ke

ICC Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo list has elicited fury and panic in President Kibaki’s Party of National Unity.

On Wednesday, Moreno-Ocampo named six individuals he said held the greatest responsibility for the 2007/2008 post-election violence.

Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi said PNU learnt of Ocampo’s list "with shock and disbelief".

Public Health Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta’s cousin, Beth Mugo, had tears welling up her eyes and alleged an international and local conspiracy "to fix some leaders ahead of the 2012 presidential race".

Agitated Environment Minister John Michuki blamed the media for allegedly being biased and lacking patriotism.

With lips quivering and eyes wide open, Trade Minister Amos Kimunya vowed Ocampo’s move would do nothing to reduce Uhuru’s profile "as our leader in the region".

He said Uhuru’s inclusion on the Ocampo list had made him "a martyr around whom the region would unite".

Mass action

Within minutes of the release of the list of suspects, the PNU ministers called a press conference to condemn Ocampo and discredit his motives, claiming politics was driving the process.

The ministers constitute President Kibaki’s inner circle and are Uhuru allies. The pain on their faces stemmed from their belief and stated positions that the Kikuyu community formed the bulk of victims of the violence. "You media people should know who called for mass action unless certain election outcome was not announced, and who was singing haki yetu…," said Special Programmes Minister Esther Murugi.

An elder from the Kikuyu council said: "It is the victims who are being blamed. By going for Uhuru and Head of Public Service Francis Muthaura, Ocampo implies that the Kikuyus were responsible for what happened."

While the statements by the ministers sought to appeal to the Kikuyu sympathy for Uhuru and Muthaura, they did not mask the fact Ocampo had placed the highest responsibility for the skirmishes on President Kibaki’s doors.

Some feel Ocampo opted to focus attention on President Kibaki, who was, and is, the Head of State and Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces.

"By targeting the head of the Civil Service, Ocampo’s message is that the Head of State should provide answers for what happened under his watch. Kenyans had legitimate expectations for protection from the Commander-in-Chief. Muthaura is a civil servant who implements policies and decisions made by other people. He is the President’s Permanent Secretary.

Inclusion of Muthaura and Uhuru on the Ocampo list has set central Kenya alight with vernacular radio talk shows and social debates focusing on the implications.

Safina leader and former Kikuyu MP Paul Muite said those claiming Ocampo list was motivated by political intentions are misguided and dishonest.

"I wonder where they have suddenly found the energy to discredit ICC and defend political cronies, while they have been quiet about the victims. This process is about justice for the victims, not about ambitions of suspects. Those listed should simply go forward and give their side of the story. If innocent they should have nothing to fear," Muite said.

Gichugu MP and Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua told Parliament those seeking to discredit ICC for calling leaders to subject themselves to the due process should know "due process is not a condemnation process".

Kikuyu Council of Elders chairman Wachira Kiago said politicians and the Grand Coalition had let down victims of the violence by ignoring reconciliation efforts.

"There will be no genuine reconciliation, healing and ethnic harmony if stolen properties are not returned and IDPs resettled. There are cases of people repaying bank loans for tractors they bought on loans, but were taken away during the violence. Some landlords in Kibera, Dandora, Mathare, and Baba Ndogo are yet to reclaim their houses after they were evicted in 2008," said Kiago.