- Title: KENYA: Kenyans react to decision by ICC to try 4 election violence suspects
- Date: 24th January 2012
- Summary: CHILDREN PLAYING IN ONE OF THE DESTROYED HOUSES
- Embargoed: 8th February 2012 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Kenya, Kenya
- Country: Kenya
- Topics: Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA6RA51MMEOPUCL1T1XZAYORM3O
- Story Text: Mixed reactions to the International Criminal Court decision to send four Kenyans to trial for the 2007 violence that erupted after disputed elections.
Kenya's presidential contenders Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto, and two other men must stand trial at the International Criminal Court on charges of crimes against humanity during post-election violence in 2008, a judge at the Hague-based court ruled on Monday (January 23).
The others are the head of the civil service, Francis Muthaura and radio journalist Joshua Sang.
In Eldoret, one of the areas worst hit by the violence in Kenya's Rift Valley province people watched the live proceedings and approved of the court decision. Eldoret is also home area to William Ruto.
Anne Kandie, a victim of the clashes said she welcomed the ruling.
"I had waited this for a very long time because I was terribly hurt by what happened, I had to get my right because if there was no case then my rights would have been trampled on." said Kandie Another victim said regardless of political or ethnic affiliation, everyone should carry their own cross.
"Everybody should be charged for what they did because according to me they are guilty. If these people did not incite violence against us then we would not have the kind of problems that we have, we would be living comfortably in our homes like in the past." said Mary Wangui.
Analysts say the decision by the court - whose proceedings have been closely followed in Kenya - is likely to have far-reaching political consequences for the biggest economy in east Africa.
"According to me victims feel partially justice has been attained, not full justice. Full justice will only be attained if the four of them get conviction, a local tribunal is established to deal with those who burnt theirs houses or killed their relatives…burnt their houses, killed their relatives and made them destitute." said Ken Wafula, an analyst.
In Gatundu, where Uhuru Kenyatta hails from, the reactions were against the ICC decision.
"The results has not made us happy we were hoping that Uhuru might lead this country in the upcoming elections we are sad." said Peter Maina.
Others were more upbeat saying the process still had a long way to go.
"Being told you have a case does not mean you are guilty, you can have a case and it is not confirmed even if you go to remand you can still come out depending on your case, that is a case that has started, that does not mean Uhuru did what they say he did." said Peter Nguri.
Another Gatundu resident also voiced her support for Uhuru.
"Let us all be very strong, let us all persevere with all the problems because we know he is not guilty and I know God will do all He can to bring the reality to light."
Both Kenyatta, who is Kenya's finance minister and the son of the country's founding president, and Ruto, a former higher education minister, want to run for president in an election expected next year.
The ICC's decision that they must face trial is likely to interfere with those plans.
Judge Trendofilova declined charges against the remaining two accused Kenyans.
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