Kenya: Minister rapped over Kenya chaos probe

Mutula said the with new law Kenya was able to deal with the PEV suspects

Written By:Carol Gakii/Mary Daraja,    Posted: Mon, Sep 20, 2010

Justice Minister Mutula Kilonzo Monday continued to face sharp criticism over his sentiments that the International Criminal Court - ICC should call off its investigations into the post election violence.

Kenya National Commission on Human-KNCHR is accusing the minister of perpetuating impunity and injustice.

Speaking to journalists in Nairobi, Commissioner Hassan Omar said the statement by Mutula could be seen as a move by the government to frustrate efforts by ICC to bring justice to the post poll victims.

Omar further called on Kenyans to remain vigilant and ensure that the government honors its pledge of fully cooperating with the ICC.

He said the commission will continue cooperating with ICC once it commences its work in the country.

Mutula in an interview with one of the dailies said that with the passage of the new constitution, the perpetrators of the 2007-2008 chaos could be tried in Kenya.

The minister said the new laws would strengthen the judiciary and police to deal with the PEV suspects.

ICC was cleared by the government early this month to set up base in the country as a first step towards punishing those responsible for the violence in which at least 1,133 were killed.

The agreement signed by the government grants ICC judges, prosecutors, investigators, administrators and other staff the same status enjoyed by foreign diplomats.

It will gives them powers and privileges to move in and out of Kenya, the right to deploy its own armed officers, to import goods duty free and enjoy protection against arrest and prosecution.

An ICC delegation is expected in the country next week.

Ocampo who is expected in the country by November last month said he stood by his promise to seek arrest warrants by the end of the year for up to six Kenyans from both sides of the election violence.

"I promised to present two cases this year and I will do it," he said. Each case would involve two or three people" the prosecutor told reuters.

Source:Minister rapped over Kenya chaos probe http://bit.ly/dAxsad

(Yimber Gaviria, Colombia)