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Kenya now to lobby Security Council on ICC

MBOONI, Kenya, Feb 6 – Kenya will now lobby the United Nations Security Council in seeking a deferral of the International Criminal Court case against six individuals wanted over the 2008-post-election violence.

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka said this would be the next step after Kenya recently secured the crucial backing of the African Union in its bid to put off the trials as the country embarks on establishing a local mechanism to try the perpetrators.

"After consultations in government, we will now move to lobby all the permanent members," Mr Musyoka pointed out.

Already, he observed, China and Russia had indicated their willingness to support the Kenyan motion. Brazil and India, influential though non-permanent members of the council have also indicated willingness to support Kenya.

The Vice President spoke at various stops in Mbooni constituency before participating at a fundraiser for the Kiteta divisional headquarters at Tawa township.

Mr Musyoka argued that his mission to lobby the AU was not in vain contrary to earlier criticism, saying that it had a noble objective of restoring the country\’s dignity, pride and sovereignty among the community of nations.

He said the push to set up a local judicial mechanism was aimed at comprehensive delivery of justice, attaining national healing, reconciliation and compensation for losses incurred during the post-election violence.

"Our request for a deferral is in keeping with the Rome Statute establishing the ICC for which Kenya is a member in good standing," he said.

He also said the disquiet over the nominations of officials to four  crucial judicial and finance offices will amicably be resolved.

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Mr Musyoka who is the Leader of government business in Parliament said there was no challenge which Kenyans cannot surmount when they come together and act in good faith.

Accompanied by area MP Mutula Kilonzo (Justice Minister) and MPs Victor Munyaka (Machakos Town), Peter Kiilu (Makueni), and Daniel Muoki (Mwala) among other leaders, the VP also addressed meetings at Kimutwa, Kwa Mutisya, Liani and Kalawani.

The Vice President urged Kamba leaders to unite the residents and work hand in hand in tacking the numerous challenges facing them. He said only unity could empower the community to overcome the effects of incessant droughts, famine, lack of adequate water and poverty.

On party matters, Mr Musyoka said plans were underway to strengthen ODM-K in readiness for the 2012 elections.

He urged members of the provincial administration to serve Kenyans with humility and diligence, adding that they should not fear for their jobs as nobody was interested in scrapping them.

He assured that he as the party leader and Mr Kilonzo as the Secretary General were working harmoniously towards transforming the party into a formidable political machine.

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