Groups fault DPP over crimes body

By Steve Mkawale

Kenya: Human rights groups in Rift Valley have differed with the Director of Public Prosecutions over his opposition to the formation of an independent body to deal with perpetrators of international crimes.

The activists want the formation of an independent International Crimes Division (ICD) to deal with locals suspected of perpetrating international crimes.

Former nominated Senator Harold Kipchumba and David Kuria, executive director of the regional Human Rights Network, said Keriako Tobiko had confirmed fears by International Criminal Court Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda that the Kenya Government was unwilling to co-operate with The Hague-based court, thereby denying victims of the 2007-2008 post-election violence justice.

“The DPP is setting a very dangerous precedent in this country, that people can commit serious human rights crimes and get away scot-free,” said Kipchumba.

He said failure by Kenya to have an ICD would encourage security personnel and politicians to commit serious international crimes, knowing that they would not be held accountable.