So Ruto toddled off to the Hague last night, and all of his own accord... Apparently he'd like the chance to clear his name, or at least defend himself in the face of incriminating evidence, before being issued with an official ICC summons. Just yesterday we learned that, in view of the fact that Kenya has been so helpful with ICC investigations, Ocampo has decided against the arrest warrant route, prefering to issue a 'summons' or two, to avoid the possible embarrassment of key politicians and businessmen who he plans to 'interview' later.
We learned from today's papers that Ruto offered to go and visit the Hague three months ago but Ocampo has kept him waiting, we assume so that he can do a little more investigating into exactly who was responsible for organising 2008 post election violence, first.
When Ruto was suspended from Government, Florence who works in our house said,
'Is this fair? I feel a bit sorry for him. It's all because of something that happened a long time ago.'
Caroline Mutoko of Kiss FM said that many Kenyans had expressed worry that Ruto 'looked a bit sad' when leaving the cabinet- but she said, since voting in this new constitution, people should have the courage of their convictions and let the process of rooting out corruption take its course. Events since have overtaken us, with many key politicianls stepping aside pending corruption cases - so we are getting used to the 'sad' look now. Off to the Hague is something new that we'll need to get used to too!
I wonder if Ruto will ever be coming back? Probably. His return flight is booked for Saturday.
Interesting article on problems with Dfid aid distribution in Ethiopia. Since the UK Development Aid budget has been increased by 37% to 11 billion by 2013 - the UK Coalition Government are even more under seige by UK taxpayers who feel cutting spending at home while splurging overseas (when, in many cases, it's not doing much good anyway) is unfair:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/ethiopia/8078743/British-aid-failing-to-get-through-to-those-most-in-need.html
So, if Ocampo does not issue arrest warrants, at exactly what point will any suspects be detained? Over a cup of tea when summoned to Ocampo's office for "an interview"?
ReplyDeleteIf Ocampo thinks that they should be charged without being arrested (i.e. effectively bailed), one wonders if he really knows his Kenyan politicians.
And, if that is the way to go, I wonder how many of the rest will be making discreet trips to the Hague while on 'business trips' to Europe?
I find your Florence's comments very telling and very depressing. Most Kenyans tend to be blindly partisan or very forgiving. And, that is why we keep on being shat upon.
Did Ruto have a huge brown envelope in his jacket packet I wonder?
ReplyDeleteWe hope what we are seeing is the beginning of dealing with impunity in this country but some of us are still rather skeptical. The day we will see a big fish actually locked up is the day we shall start to beleive, otherwise we have been down this route of ministers resigning or being cross examined before, and nothing ever came out of it.
ReplyDeleteif you read the ICC rules, offering to give your side of the story or divulging some beans here n there on the story wont give you leniency as local cicuit courts do, you just help them get to the truth. my take on ruto, thank you for giving a maybe clearer picture on your part, ntv and ktn have news videos of you saying at sda fundraiser in dec 2007 that you'll take the weeds and burn them to bring your land as it was and so much more. remember the 90 yrs analogy when he supported ICC way not local tribunal. well he guessed wrong, ocampo acts faster when challenged. and sorry ruto, the HAGUE EXPRESS has left the train station. see you in court mister. Raila is smart, he's agwambo, he talks tough but never gets emotional.
ReplyDelete