My regards to entire ICC ensemble. I forget not my tribute to Luis Moreno Ocampo who is cooling off, probably back in Argentina.
Respect to Ekaterina Trendafilova, a brilliant Bulgarian judge.
Before I delve into the heart of the compelling reason for this letter, you need to know who I am. I am a Kenyan by all dimensions.
But more important is that I recall 2007/2008, like you would, the latest big-screen horror. I saw arrows and machetes being wielded. I saw houses set alight as babies cried in torrential rains with smoke billowing into the skies. I saw gory fresh wounds at hospitals, I viewed the dead and buried them!
When machetes had been put away and all the arrows spent, Kenya listened to the chilling flow of the blood it had shed and... there was gloom as statistics stood at about 1,300 dead and at least 200,000 displaced. Then in one accord, we cursed the angel of death that had visited. Everybody wanted the bloody hands cuffed and possibly dismembered.
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This, I suppose, should have been the hour that you (ICC) should have come fast and furious because hearts were bleeding and it was a highly emotive moment at which to offer unsanctioned support. But I pardon you for the delay. I suspect it was traffic or maybe matters procedural. I know as an international judicial organ keen on quashing crimes against humanity, you have had a fair share of hurdles: recanting witnesses, witnesses tutored by interested figureheads and of late, prayers are being hollered to ensure the dead end of your process.
Don’t be surprised by the indifference exuded by many a people in Kenya about your proceedings. There are several reasons you should expect this and more. One, the national integration fabric has mended significantly.
Allow this example your honour, courtesy of my healed heart. I took in Peter for a son-in-law even though his brother burnt my shop in the violence. Would you still want me to testify against my son-in-law’s brother?
I have to abridge my letter for the vicar is calling for prayers. I hope this time not for suspects but victims.