Imanyara: I'm not targeting Kibaki

By Patrick Mathangani

Central Imenti MP Gitobu Imanyara has defended himself against accusations he wants to settle scores with the First Family by introducing a tribunal bill that takes away President Kibaki’s immunity from prosecution.

The Imenti Central MP said the so-called Imanyara Bill was drafted with a clear aim to end impunity, including criminal acts by those in high offices.

He said the International Crimes Act, which was passed by MPs and assented to by Kibaki last year, had already removed the president’s immunity on matters of crimes against humanity.

The Act sought to domesticate the Rome Statute, which deals with war crimes and those against humanity. According the statute, heads of state, prime ministers and military chiefs can be prosecuted over these crimes.

Imanyara has in the past had a spat with the First Lady Lucy Kibaki, over his role in defending a journalist she allegedly slapped three years ago.

"People are confusing national issues with that of the First Family," Imanyara said on Saturday, referring to a controversial clause in the

Bill that seeks to strip the president of immunity.

Imanyara noted the Bill was not "his own" but was drafted with the input of the Law Society of Kenya and other civil society groups.

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