Orange Democratic Movement maintains Uhuru status has not changed

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders have stated nothing changes the fact that Uhuru Kenyatta as a President is on trial in The Hague.

The leaders insisted that Kenya's President is on trial despite President Kenyatta signing away his powers to his deputy William Ruto. President Kenyatta claimed on Monday the move was to protect the country's sovereignty in The Hague court room during his attendance of a status conference at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

This has, however, been dismissed by the Opposition as mere politics played by the President.

Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang' said the move was a wider scheme by the President to manoeuvre his way out of embarrassment at the ICC. Mr Kajwang' insisted nothing changed the fact that Uhuru was still the Head of State unless he resigned.

"To spin the idea that he is going there as an ordinary citizen, boarding a commercial jet and passing through checks at the airport is completely misleading," said Kajwang'.

Kajwang' argued that President Kenyatta was trying to save face after going against a resolution made by the African Union (AU) that gives immunity against prosecution of sitting heads of states.

Suba MP John Mbadi accused the President of acting unconstitutionally by appointing Deputy President William Ruto to act on his behalf.

"He has managed to play smart politics by pretending to be a private citizen to save face but that does not change the fact that the Head of State is on trial," said Mr Mbadi.

Homa Bay MP Peter Kaluma termed the 'purported' appointment of Ruto as acting President meaningless drama and an act in vain meant to confuse Ruto's supporters. Siaya Senator James Orengo said Uhuru's announcement was 'unnecessary political drama'.

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Uhuru Kenyatta ODM