State put to task over ICC witnesses saga

By Roselyne Obala

Nairobi, Kenya: The Senate Tuesday put the Government to task over what action it has taken against top State officers, alleged to have coached witnesses in the Kenyan cases before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Senators demanded to know which measures were in place to deal with those accused of implicating Deputy President William Ruto.

The matter came to the floor of the House following a statement sought by Siaya Senator James Orengo, on what the Government was doing to ensure the involved don’t continue to serve in public service.

Mr Orengo argued that those State officers if allowed to continue holding office, would pose challenges to Government operations.

Kericho Senator Charles Keter who brought up the matter, has called for the resignation of more than ten top officers. Though Mr Keter did not mention names, the matter was treated with grave concern.

Elgeyo-Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen on his part emphasised that anyone who coached witnesses should be jail and not be in a Government office.

Schemers

“If indeed there is any iota of truth that they assisted even in the remotest sense, they should be in jail,” he told the press after a committee meeting at the Senate premises.

He said it was improper for President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto to suffer as a result of the schemes of such people.

“Anyone involved irrespective of his seat should be relieved off his or her duties and be investigated and prosecuted,” he said.

Mr Murkomen also explained that whereas the Jubilee coalition has not officially met over the matter, this is a moral issue that requires those involved to quit office.

In the House, the senator supported calls for a statement over the issues saying a ministerial statement was necessary to shed light on the Government’s position.

The Senate’s Legal and Human Rights Committee Vice-Chairman Stephen Sang sought to be given time to seek answers and report in two weeks’ time. Senator Orengo also sought a statement on what the Government was doing to protect Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama who has claimed his life is in danger.