Impunity should never surpass the rule of law

It is official — the International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo is closing in on 20, not 3 or 6 prominent Kenyans, as earlier reported. But what are bound to shake the political arena are the profiles and motivations of the suspects. On one hand is the team out to retain power, and on the other hand it is seeking it. Names Haraka Mr. OCampo! ODM, PNU peeing their pants now!! If genocides/and mass crimes against Kenyan fellow men and women cannot be eliminated, then at least the perpetrators should be hunted down, arrested, tried, and imprisoned. The ICC was established under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. It was signed on 1998-JUL-17 after years of negotiation. The court commenced operation on ... See More2002-JUL-01 when the 60th country ratified the treaty. It is authorized to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. Its jurisdiction is limited to individuals from all countries who are accused of genocide, war crimes, and other gross human rights violations. Only those cases which are not actively pursued in the country where the crimes occurred will be heard by the international court. Kenyan crimes against political opponents since the advent of multi-party democracy are perfect example. This trend against fellow country men and women was epitomized when 2007 post election violence broke out. If properly implemented, this court will dispense punishment to the perpetrators of genocide and bring justice to the victims. But its main effect may be to make every potential Kenyan perpetrator of genocide to feel insecure. Denying these politicians peace of mind is important. If they know that they will likely be hunted down and imprisoned for a long time in the future, they will be less likely to commit genocide now. They are accused of organizing and funding violence as well as gross widespread human rights violations, including murder, abduction, mutilation, sexual violence against women and children, and forcing young men to participate in hostilities in the Rift Valley and other parts of Kenya. Kenya should set an example to the rest of the world! Impunity should never surpass the rule of law.************* By Paul Arithi for connection33 For more updates visit www.connection33.com Stay connected COMMENTS NEXT FROM GACHUIRI