Rights groups start outreach forums on ICC

By Titus Too

A group of human rights organisations have started forums to dispel rumours on the International Criminal Court process among the public.

The forums would promote understanding of the ICC process and allow the public to air their views on it.

A meeting held at the Teachers Advisory Centre in Eldoret on Monday follows the conclusion of the confirmation hearings of charges against three of the Ocampo Six suspects.

The three, Eldoret North MP William Ruto, his Tinderet counterpart Henry Kosgey and radio presenter Joshua Sang will know the verdict in the next three months.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Uhuru Kenyatta, head of civil service and secretary to the cabinet Francis Muthaura and post master general Hussein Ali are yet to travel for the confirmation hearings.

Ms Christine Alai, an official of the ICC coalition, said the objective of the forums is to preach peace among citizens and explain the truth on the process ending unnecessary speculation.

Other officials Carole Theuri, Esther Waweru, Juliet Kamau and Lynesther Mureu addressed the forum.

Those who attended wanted to know whether the suspects would be allowed to run for political positions awaiting determination of their cases.

Participants also noted that there has been recurrent violence in certain regions (in 1992 and 1997) but nothing has been done to prevent the clashes.

The ICC coalition officials, who were hosted by the North Rift Human Rights Network, said the ICC process was a legal procedure and not political.

They said appearance of suspects at The Hague would remain a lesson to Kenyans and prevent future violence.

Residents also said continued appearance of suspects at the ICC was scaring away investors.