A university don has cautioned the government against spearheading withdrawal of the country from the Rome Statute that led to the formation of International Criminal Court, arguing that the court stands to be the only one that can offer justice.
Prof George Mocheche of International Relations at the University of Nairobi on Wednesday said withdrawal plans by Kenya would be an abuse of justice and an indication that the government only cared about the accused persons, leaving victims deserted.
“I have been following developments by the country on matters ICC and I must say I am a disappointed person. It’s ironical to push for withdrawal simply because you’re defending the accused persons and you show no indication of fighting for the plight of the PEV victims. This is an abuse of justice,” said the don.
Mocheche said the victims only have hopes in the court to get justice and urged the government to support the court for the sake of embracing international justice system.
“It’s only ICC that can decide the fate of victims. As a country, we should be supporting the good work done by prosecutor also that victims get the last smile. I know a number of them who have never been compensated till today,” he said.
He faulted the court system in Africa, saying it was ‘biased’ and urged Kenyans to reject the bid to withdraw since it will be subjected to a referendum.
“It’s wrong for African leaders to insinuate that ICC only targets them. I don’t think a court can follow you if you’re doing a right thing. Furthermore, we have even seen the Kenyan judiciary system and the challenges it’s facing for being biased. We have to reject the bid to withdraw because the court offers lifeline to victims,” he said.