Security chiefs issue demands on ICC panel

By Cyrus Ombati

Security chiefs who served during the post-election violence have declined to face the International Criminal Court (ICC) lawyers and detectives to give evidence until their demands are met.

They first want the ICC to give them the specific sets of questions they intend to ask before they appear in person.

The exercise of giving evidence on the violence before the ICC team under the guidance of Lady Justice Kalpana Rawal was planned to kick off on Wednesday but it has been postponed until the PPOs and PCs get the questions.

Instead, the security chiefs’ lawyers will meet the ICC team, Justice Rawal and Attorney General’s representative on Wednesday to agree on the way forward.

The lawyers raised the issue before Rawal and the ICC officials yesterday.

"We raised legal issues and requested for more time which the ICC team agreed to until what we asked is met," said Mr Evans Monari, one of the advocates.

Legal process

Monari said the ICC team agreed with the issues they raised and promised to respond on Wednesday when they meet again.

"You know this is a legal process and the lawyers are still doing their submission. We will again meet on Wednesday (tomorrow) to agree on the way forward," said Rawal.

She said the PPOs and PCs had received summons with the questions and dates they are supposed to appear before the court for grilling.

Advocates Jack Muriuki, Ken Ogeto, Gerishom Otachi, Rodgers Sagana and Monari represent the State officials and attended Monday’s meeting while Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko represents the AG.

Last week, ICC officials failed to attend a scheduled meeting with the judge, advocates and Mr Tobiko.