It is good news, says survivor who lost 11 relatives in attacks

By Baraka Karama

A post-election violence victim has welcomed the move by the International Criminal Court (ICC) judges to issue summonses against the ‘Ocampo Six’.

Mr Bernard Orinda Ndege who lost 11 members of his family during the chaos, said the move would deliver justice to victims.

Ndege said by summoning the suspects, the court had shown it was determined to ensure justice at last.

He said: "At long last, I will have peace when those who killed my family are brought to book. They must pay for it".

He said the ICC was better placed to handle the poll chaos trials than a local tribunal.

Ndege said: "I was worried when I heard the Government wants the case to be heard here in Kenya. I think if they do that, we will never get justice".

He dismissed the shuttle diplomacy efforts by a six-member team led by Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka seeking to defer the case against the six suspects.

Ndege said: "Leaders should sympathise with those of us who lost loved ones. By seeking to thwart the trials, it appears they don’t care".

Heart of chaos

Ndege, 53, lost his two wives and nine children and investments in Naivasha at the heart of post-election violence.

He relocated to his rural home in Kobala village where he has since re-married and has a two-year-old daughter. More than 1,000 people were killed and an estimated 600,000 displaced by political violence that followed the 2007 disputed presidential elections. Hundreds of victims are still languishing in displacement camps.

Separately, the National Civil Society Congress wants the suspects summoned by the ICC to relinquish their positions.

The society’s President, Mr Maurice Odhiambo said the suspects were violating the law by continuing to serve in public offices.

He said: "We expect the ministers and leaders summoned to resign because they are suspects in such a crucial issue."

Mr Odhiambo welcomed the move by the court to summon the six, saying it was a step towards finding justice for victims.

He added: "This is the only way we will fight impunity and ensure such thing do not happen again".