Kalenjin elders angered by rite footage at International Criminal Court

Clerics and elders from the Kalenjin and Kikuyu communities led by Maj (rtd) John Seii (in hat) address the press in Eldoret town Wednesday.  [PHOTO: KEVIN TUNOI/STANDARD]

By EDWIN CHESEREK

KENYA: The use of circumcision ceremony clips by the International Criminal Court (ICC) as evidence against Deputy President William Ruto and former radio presenter Joshua Sang has elicited sharp reactions from Kalenjin elders.

The leaders have questioned how Fatou Bensouda obtained the footage, saying filming such cultural ceremonies was illegal.

They now want firm action taken against those who presented the clips to ICC investigators when they visited the country, saying they contravened community customs.

Bensouda and her lead counsel produced the clips as part of their evidence and claimed that the initiates were Kalenjin warriors who were involved in the post-poll violence.

Council of elders Chair John Seii expressed concern over the disclosure of clips containing images of young men who had been initiated, saying it was supposed to be a secret community affair.

“We have nothing to hide but whoever obtained the clips should produce it with audio so that it can be proved whether indeed there was any training for war. This is fabrication of evidence gone too far,” protested Seii.

He pointed out that the initiation ceremony is not meant for war but a rite of passage from childhood to adulthood, adding that production of the videos was an infringement on the rights of the initiates according to Kalenjin customs.

“Such ceremonies in our communities are purposely for uniting young men from different clans as opposed to what was explained in the court. This is a primary concern that needs to be looked into,” he added.

Mr Juma Kilimo, an elder, clarified that traditional ceremonies among the Kalenjin sub-tribes have nothing to do with politics and said the footage ought not to have been used as evidence.

“The ICC prosecution should counter-check their research and detach the clips from their evidence because they are of no relevance to the on-going case facing three Kenyans at The Hague,” he advised.

He said those circumcised are kept in seclusion where they are fed and cannot participate in any war because they are weak in addition to not being allowed to make a lot of movement. The leaders took issue with political brokers.

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