Jubilee leaders warn against plan to withdraw from ICC

Nakuru County JAP Chairman James Karimi (In cap) flanked by the party members address the press in Naivasha on Monday. [Photo:Antony Gitonga/Standard]

Kenya should not withdraw from the International Criminal Court, Nakuru County Jubilee Coordinator has said.

James Karimi said although the cases against President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto were terminated, the country is still bound to its international obligations. Mr Karimi said International Criminal Court (ICC) serves as a warning to those who still think they can incite Kenyans to war for political reasons.

"Anybody thinking of chaos knows that there is an international court awaiting him. This serves as a warning to all those seeking political positions," he said.

While praising the termination of the case against the deputy president, Karimi also called on all Kenyans to embrace peace.

"We have said time and again that Kenya will not go the 2007-2008 way again and it is upon us to live with one another for the sake of developing this nation," he said.

He also called on all Kenyans to turn in large numbers for the prayer meeting called by President Kenyatta at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.

"We want all Kenyans regardless of their party affiliations to turn up for the prayers-cum-thanksgiving ceremony called by the president," he said.

The sentiments were echoed by another leader Antony Rebo who said that the dropping of the case against the DP and journalist Joshua Sang should unite Kenyans.

Mr Rebo also called on the Government to make sure all victims of the post-election violence were fully compensated.

"Some of the victims of the violence in Naivasha have never been compensated and there is need to address their grievances," he said.

Elsewhere, Kitutu Chache South MP Richard Onyonka  urged the president and his deputy to step up the healing process by touring violence prone areas.

Speaking in Miti Tatu village in Trans-Nzoia County, Onyonka, who was accompanied by politician Joel Gesuka, urged Uhuru and Ruto to launch a countrywide drive to unite Kenyans.

"The president announcement to reconcile communities is welcome and I urge him and his deputy to visit hot spots and help heal the communities on these areas," he said.

He urged leaders across Kenya to preach peace and co-existence and avoid inciting communities.