Sunday, October 27, 2013
Carry your own cross, Uhuru Kenyatta told
Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama. Photo/FILE
In Summary
- Mr Muthama said the country needed to remain in the Rome Statute, arguing, the International Criminal Court (ICC) prevented a repeat of violence during elections in March because leaders and Kenyans feared being pursued by the court.
By Nation Correspondent
Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama has said the country should not be dragged into the cases facing the President and his deputy, saying, the two should pursue the cases as individuals.
Mr Muthama said the country needed to remain in the Rome Statute, arguing, the International Criminal Court (ICC) prevented a repeat of violence during elections in March because leaders and Kenyans feared being pursued by the court.
“Let President Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto pursue their cases at the Hague, but the country should not be dragged into the matter with calls to pull out of the Rome Statute,” he said.
On arguments that the country had turned a new leaf and people had chosen to be peaceful, Mr Muthama said it was only because of the ICC threat that politicians feared to instigate violence in March.
The Machakos Senator said the African leaders who are pushing, through the African Union (AU), for withdrawal from the Rome Statute were insincere. Most were behind human rights abuses in their own countries, and the ICC was created to protect people against abusive leaders, he added.
Mr Muthama was speaking during a church fund-raiser at the African Brotherhood Church in Nairobi.
President Kenyatta, his Deputy William Ruto and former radio broadcaster Joshua Sang are facing charges of crimes against humanity during the 2008 post-election violence.
Mr Ruto’s and Mr Sang’s case is ongoing in The Hague.
Mr Muthama also criticised Police Inspector-General David Kimaiyo for investigating journalists over their coverage of the Westgate shopping mall terrorist attack. COMMENTS:
For once a little sense from Muthama. Most probably just influenced from the side of the political wing he ascribes to.
at least there is one politician who speaks sense in this country.
I like this truth, for in this world it is harder to tell the truth than flattery ,
As ordinary Kenyans, we should petition UNSC to ignore the hullabaloo of AU. They do not represent the interests of common citizens. And by the way, the two were not elected overwhelmingly as some want the world to believe. They just won elections, whether fairly or unfairly, it remains a mystery, with aid of tyranny of numbers. Muthama you hit the nail on the head.
At least one politician who is not scared to speak his mind which also happens to be in the interest of the country and kenyan citizens.
A common sense statement! Well done Muthama!
Some sense at last! And hear, hear indeed. Sen. Muthama has spoken well.
Nabs_101
A suspect should not lead a country in the first place. Kenya now needs a presidential by election. We have 40 million people to choose from. If u resigned as as minister as a suspect how do u become a president.
Nabs_101
Actually, what the senator has said is basic commonsense. Even my 10 year old kid would have said the same thing. It's only that some people are trying to be difficult.
Alfotula
It is sense at last compared to the useless statements we have recently heard from those in the legislature.
This makes sense
The hard truth, Muthama. You said it.
Yes Mr. Muthama, you are one person sober minded and living in the TRUTH, May the Lord reward you for this, because TRUTHFUL MINDS, are God's ambassadors in the world. The father of lies is SATAN BIN SATAN, YOU ARE IN GOOD STANDING wiith your father in heaven. Its better for UHU- RUTO, to be judged in the Hague, rather than to meet the ALMIGHTY FACE TO FACE WITH THAT SIN AND BLOOD ON THEIR HEADS.
On the point Muthama. Kenyatta should not mix the isue as if it involves the 40million kenyans.
Muthama you have said it all. You have stood out from the crowd to say the truth. I am sure most Kenyans will support you
Totally agree with you JM
Thanks for speaking the truth. We seem to forget the bloodshed and anarchy that gripped Kenya in 2008. If Uhuru and Ruto were responsible, let them face these charges without seeking to avoid being held accountable. These efforts at attempting to avoid facing these charges is the height of impunity.Thank you Senator Muthams for your boldness.
This is one sober and genuine politician who is willing to call a spade a spade. Politicians were afraid to instigate violence in the March elections because they knew they would face the same wrath as Uhuru and Ruto, not because the general public has compromised. Uhuru and Ruto should face the HAGUE by themselves and not drag the rest of us into the process, after all they were warned before they run for office that the proceedings would interrupt their day to day duties and yet they went ahead and campaigned for office. The most moral thing to do is to let others run the country until their cases have been concluded. What happens if they are convicted? does that mean they cannot be punished if found liable just because they are leaders?. BRAVO MR. MUTHAMA we need champions like you.
Thankyou, Keep up the good work. If anything an appointed leader shall do good for this nation.
We all make mistakes, President Uhuru Kenyatta says as he vows to defend security forces
Updated Sunday, October 27th 2013 at 23:03 GMT +3
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| President Uhuru Kenyatta, First Lady Margaret and the Bishop of Meru Diocese Salesius Mugambi, cut a cake at the Holy Family Basilica after a Thanksgiving Mass for the disciplined forces on Sunday. [Photo: Evans Habil/Standard] |
Nairobi, Kenya: President Uhuru Kenyatta Sunday came out strongly to defend the country’s security forces in the wake of reports that questioned their handling of the Westgate Mall siege.
He urged Kenyans, and especially the media, to be sensitive in their criticism of the security forces.
“No man is perfect or woman for that matter, but what is most important is what we do when we make mistakes. There are those who will love to live and wallow in their mistakes and there are those who learn from their mistakes and change,” said the Head of State.
The President said he would defend security forces when and if necessary since their service to the country is appreciated.
Daily selflessness
“We are proud of the sacrifice by our disciplined forces and we appreciate your daily selflessness,” the Commander-in-Chief told the country’s security forces during this year’s disciplined forces joint mass at the Holy Family Basilica.
He reiterated his weekend call to journalists to be responsible in their reporting, saying the media, too, had a role to play in ensuring a safe environment for all Kenyans.
“Our media should be responsible in their reporting. They and all of us have a responsibility for our security,” he said. The duty to ensure national security is for all and shouldn’t be left to security forces alone,” he added.
First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto, top security chiefs, including Chief of Defence Forces Julius Karangi and Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo were present.
The mass was presided over by Bishop Salesius Mugambi, of Meru Diocese, who is chaplain in charge of the uniformed disciplined forces.
Parliament is investigating the handling of the Westgate crisis and top security chiefs have appeared before the MPs’ team.
“We will support and provide you with the necessary tools you require to perform your duty. We will do all it takes to improve the welfare of the men and women in uniform and continually increase budget available in order to ensure you are able to do what you need to do.”
The President also implored Kenyans to co-operate with the security agencies in combating crime and averting threats to security.
Men in uniform
“Mine is to call on all Kenyans and remind them that security is not just an obligation of the men in uniform, but an obligation of every single citizen. It’s only when the citizenry take up their duty of reporting crime, happenings and incidents that happen in their neighbourhood that we can ensure a nation free of crime and terrorism. These individuals (criminals) live amongst you. They are your neighbours, brother, sisters, fathers or mothers.”
Ruto took the opportunity to encourage President Kenyatta in the face of the magnitude of challenges facing his leadership, saying it is through faith that he can overcome.
“Mr President, God knows why at a time delicate such as this, he has made you the leader. God will not allow any temptation to come your way that you cannot bear and I am confident that we will overcome our challenges,” Ruto said.
Kimaiyo said security agencies must deliver their services faithfully and must remain united.
“We will continue being satisfied with our wages, as the Bible says that we must be content with our wages, but also urge you, Mr President, to continue looking into our welfare,” Kimaiyo added.
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