Nyanza leaders call for termination of ICC cases over ‘conflicting evidence’

By MAUREEN ODIWUOR

Nyanza region’s Inter-County Multi Sectoral Society (IMS) is now advocating for the termination of the cases facing President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto at the  International Criminal Court (ICC).

The team comprising 260 religious members, businessmen and political leaders from all counties in Nyanza said there was no need for the cases to go on while there is conflicting evidence coming from witness testimonies.

IMS Secretary Peter Kochiel said they now would want the cases against two leaders and also Radio Journalist Joshua arap Sang closed.

Under pressure

“Former Prosecutor Louis Moreno Ocampo revealed that he was under pressure while investigating the cases. We feel that proper investigations were not done to warrant prosecution,” said Kochiel.

He said they would want to see  the famous Waki envelope opened because its secrets are of public interest.

“For Kenyans to remain united, the truth has to clearly come out. It is important that the Waki envelope be opened,” he said.

He added that the violence was  spontaneous hence there seems to be no evidence holding water on allegations that the post-election violence was preplanned.

IMS Chairman Bishop Raphael Onjola said although the post-election violence victims may not be happy if the cases are discarded, they are supporting reconciliation.

Their reaction came after ICC invited Attorney General Githu Muigai to respond to allegations by Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda that his office had failed to co-operate.