Cabinet Fails to Disappoint

The search for justice on post poll violence in Kenya has taken a new twist. The cabinet has finally made its position known that indeed it does not have the guts to let any of its own brought to books.
Yesterday, (July 30, 2009), the president with a lieutenant of cabinet ministers made his stand known regarding the fate of the post election violence perpetrators, dealing a big blow to a large section of the Kenyan population who have called for the Hague option.

The cabinet seem to have been categorical in its view of the situation. The president indeed made it clear to the media and the public at large that a Hague or local tribunal option does not come in the picture.

What then is the way forward for the debate on prosecution of the perpetrators? The cabinet proposals revolve around an old idea whose mention has deafened ears by now. It's all about reforms in the judiciary, police force and related institutions to pave way for an effective court system to try the post poll suspects. The choice for the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission is no stranger to many a watchful Kenyan. Its hurried formation despite hue and cry from a section of the Kenyan society was suggestive enough of a choreographed idea.

Different Story,shared destiny

For a long time now cabinet has not come out with a common front on this issue but yesterday seems to have signaled a turn of events on a compromised position indicating that the Kenyan cabinet is not ready for any directions either from Koffi Annan, Ocampo or any other foreign body or person out to suggest or dictate the modus operandi of the whole justice process.
Indeed as it has been pointed by many people across the divide, the idea of giving government a leeway to decide on the process was indicative of the cow given a choice of a slaughter house. The Waki report contains names of the high and mighty in the political and business scene and as such therefore, interests have to be protected.
The 2012 race reminds us that we need each other as politicians and businessmen, none is indispensable. It is in this spirit of give and take therefore that cabinet has found it wise to rubbish calls for international prosecution and any other instruments of justice that are likely to be detrimental to status quo.
What is left for Ocampo? A pull out from ICC a tenable option?