Welcome to Kenya, Moreno-Ocampo

Letters
By | Nov 06, 2009

International Criminal Court Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo is most welcome.

Since he is here to unearth the truth behind post-poll atrocities that left hundreds dead and scores homeless, leaders should co-operate with him.

We have been banking on commissions formed by the Government, which refuse to divulge their findings to the public.

A Special Tribunal Bill was rejected by MPs intent on playing politics. Mr Moreno-Ocampo must, therefore, live up to his words when he said he wanted to use Kenya as an example to nations that thrive on impunity.

His position that he wants a few key inciters tried at The Hague as the ‘small fishes’ are tried locally is laudable.

It is regrettable that ours was a war occasioned by an election whose results we do not know. We have no option other than to chart a new course for ourselves.

{Joab Apollo, via e-mail}

Moreno-Ocampo’s visit to Kenya is the talk of town. We are anxiously waiting to hear from him and his views on post-poll violence.

IDPs also want to meet and talk to the prosecutor about their fate. The President and PM have met and agreed on what to discuss with Moreno-Ocampo.

It is only fair they speak the truth about the challenges facing the coalition Government and how The Hague fits into their plans for dispensing justice.

{Queenter Adhiambo, Maseno}

Any mention of the word ‘Moreno-Ocampo’ raises a lot of interest, sometimes triggering a smile on the faces of those yearning for justice.

The US Government is also doing a good job in pushing for reforms although I don’t see the logic behind slapping visa bans on top Government officials.

The US should consider other measures whose impact would be felt immediately.

{Antony Kaguta, Maseno}

The Government requested a date with Moreno-Ocampo and it has finally come.

The prosecutor should take stern action against the perpetrators of post-election violence.

{Gebenei, Nairobi}

There is a lot of talk today about Moreno-Ocampo coming to bring an end to Kenyan problems.

But this is mere excitement by those who think they know what our problems are. The perception that these troubles will disappear when we punish those who planned and financed post-election violence is unrealistic.

If the perpetrators are only two or three, how will the problems end? One question we need to ask is, is it true that people woke up one morning only to be incited into slaughtering one another?

Don’t we remember that we had clashes in 1992 and 1997? As I walk the streets, I hear wananchi still harbouring bitterness against a certain tribe and wonder, "who pays them to feel that way?"

Even if we arrest those we think are responsible for our hate, we will not have solved our problems. What do we do with the prejudices we have formed against others?

We need to celebrate, respect and appreciate our diversity. Since we cannot take all 30-plus million Kenyans to court, we need to pursue reconciliation and forgiveness.

{Solomon Korir, Keringet}

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