NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 11 – Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Eldoret North MP William Ruto and radio presenter Joshua arap Sang have arrived in Nairobi from The Hague to a rousing welcome by supporters.
They arrived shortly after 6am and headed straight for a closed-door meeting with Members of Parliament at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport’s VIP lounge to plan for their prayer meeting that is scheduled for Uhuru Park.
Outside the airport, the two politicians sent a message of peace and reconciliation. Mr Ruto pledged that the violence in 2007 and 2008 won’t happen again by the grace of God.
“As leaders we have resolved that a Kenyan would not spill blood or destroy property because of politics,” he said. “We are going for a prayer meeting. We do not want to confront anybody. We only want to pray for our country.”
Mr Kenyatta also said that they will ensure peace prevails in the country. He said their main goal was to ensure peace and stability fort he development of the nation.
“We want to move to every village in this country and preach peace,” Mr Kenyatta pledged. “There are some people who thought we will never come back. We are back and truth will come out. We are praying for those who are pulling as back…we are now moving on.”
There has been tight security at the park since early Monday to prevent a looming showdown between supporters of Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto and those of Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s wing the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which both insist they are scheduled to meet at the grounds.
The former inspected the venue ahead of the meeting that will mark the return of the two leaders as well as serve as a launching pad of a new political alliance.
On Monday morning police clarified that the venue had been booked by an organisation calling itself, Federation of Evangelical & Indigenous Christian Churches of Kenya (FEICCK) through their national chairman one Bishop Joseph Methu.
Police Spokesman Erick Kiraithe said FEICCK was holding the rally in conjunction with the organising committee for the homecoming rally organised for the Ocampo Six.
“Police Headquarters would like to inform the public that only FEICCK have duly notified the police of their meeting and that the presence of any other group at the venue can only cause a breach of the peace which is against the word and spirit of the law,” Mr Kiraithe said.
“I’m calling on all Kenyans to utilise the expanded democratic space responsibly and to respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of others as envisaged by the Constitution.”
The Head of Civil Service Francis Muthaura, Tinderet MP Henry Kosgey and former police Chief Hussein Ali arrived in the country on Sunday morning without fanfare.
The six Kenyan suspects appeared before the ICC for initial appearance where the court confirmed their identities and informed them accusations they are facing.
The six suspects have been warned by the Pre Trial Chamber against making statements that are likely to reignite tensions and violence in the country.
Meanwhile the PNU convoy will go through Outer Ring Road and Jogoo Road before arriving at Uhuru Park, where ODM has been holding a night vigil.
And at Uhuru Park hundreds of police officers are stationed at various points at the park to prevent a looming showdown as both PNU and ODM insist they\’re scheduled to meet at the grounds.
Police are frisking those entering the park using metal detectors.
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