IJCentral: International Justice Central

Post election violence victims and IDPs have expressed optimism after the visit by the ICC Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda to the violence hot spots in Rift Valley.

They said they hoped Bensouda will have a better perspective of the prevailing situation as the ICC prepares to prefer charges against four Kenyans facing trials at The Hague.

The four suspects are presidential aspirants TNA’s Uhuru Kenyatta and URP’s William Ruto, Francis Muthaura and Joshua arap Sang. Many of the IDPs presented written memoranda to Bensouda, who promised that she will liaise with the relevant ICC offices to deal with issues raised by the victims in Eldoret, Burnt Forest and Nakuru.

One of the issues raised was on the Victims Trust Fund which the victims expect will handle their compensation issues. “There are so many issues around the ICC which we need to understand clearly and we are asking the ICC outreach unit to carry out civic education for the victims,” said chairman of the IDPs in Eldoret James Muchina.

Muchina said although the IDPs did not have a one-on-one session with the chief prosecutor, they hoped she will have a clearer view of how the region was hit by chaos and the issues which the IDPs want addressed.

Some IDPs who got an opportunity to address Bensouda criticised the ICC investigations and sought to know if it is possible to have a fresh look at those investigations.

“The violence was never planned. We wonder where the ICC got evidence against those facing the trial. The violence erupted all over the country after the presidential result were announced,” said Sheila Jepkosgey at Kiambaa church.

More than 35 people were killed in the church. Kalenjin Council of Elders chairman Major (Rtd) John Seii said the elders hoped the ICC will dispense with the cases fairly without any external interference.

Bensouda assured the everyone that the court will remain independent. But some residents from Eldoret said they cannot delink ICC from politics.

Source: All Africa