IJCentral: International Justice Central

The International Criminal Court has started laying the groundwork for investigation into crimes against humanity committed in Kenya between 2005 and 2008.

According to sources that briefed The Standard, the plane carrying The Hague team touched down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Thursday morning, but did not reveal the number of officers.

The activities of the team remained a closely guarded secret. Sources said they have scheduled meetings with individuals and institutions critical to their work.

“The team will conduct preliminary analysis of the Kenyan situation, identify and profile key suspects and victims ahead of Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo’s arrival,” a source said.

They are also to ensure security of witnesses, among other duties.

Justice Minister Mutula Kilonzo said the Government has no choice but to work closely with the ICC team since she was a signatory to the Rome Statute. Among the incidents to be investigated are 3,600 cases, which were allegedly mishandled by the police.

“Denying the ICC any information is criminal, giving misleading information is against the Statute and Kenya is not ready to be marked as a hostile member,” said the minister.

The team is expected to meet Mutula, AG Amos Wako, Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere, and a host of civil society organisations, which has been instrumental in visits to The Hague and advocated for witness protection. Ocampo is scheduled to fly in early next month.

Other crimes to be examined are murder, rape and financing and organising of the post-election violence in which more than 1,200 people were killed and an estimated 350,000 displaced. The team is also expected to pile evidence against the key perpetrators.

East Africa Law Society Secretary General James Mwamu urged the Government to provide all details related to the violence.

“The Government must show its commitment to the work of the ICC by making all need details available,” said Mr Mwamu.

source: The Standard