ICC crusader Ken Wafula makes shock u-turn

Human rights activist Ken Wafula wants the International Criminal Court (ICC) to withdraw cases facing Deputy President William Ruto and journalist Joshua Sang.

Mr Wafula, who has been vocal and an ardent supporter of the ICC cases, took a surprising and hasty retreat, saying the recent revelation by Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria that witnesses were coached and procured has affected his views, principles and position on the ongoing cases at the The Hague-based court.

In a statement, Wafula, who is the executive director at the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, asked ICC not to persecute and torment Mr Ruto and Mr Sang. He said no person should be charged and convicted on the basis of lies and fabricated evidence.

"I am aware and understand the provisions of the Rome Statute," Wafula said.

He said his decision to withdraw his support for the ICC cases was informed by the fact that Mr Kuria has recorded a statement with the CID and ICC investigators.

Wafula revealed that a witness under his protection service had alluded to having met powerful officials based at Harambee House before they went to record statements at the Rift Valley CID provincial headquarters in Nakuru after being ferried in Government vehicles.

Innocent person

"This further gives credence to Kuria's allegations, since the individuals were from North Rift, yet they started their journey from Harambee House," he said.

According to Kuria, the fact that they were ferried from Harambee House in Government vehicles meant the witnesses had been taken there for coaching.

The activist says he has reconsidered his stand of protecting the witnesses and asked ICC officials to move fast and prefer charges against former State House and Harambee House operatives who procured witnesses to testify in the cases.

"I apologise to both the DP and Sang if indeed forces within the Government pre-determined and coached witnesses that I have participated in ensuring their protection," he said. Wafula said it was morally wrong to fabricate evidence against an innocent person.