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Politicians seek visas ahead of Uhuru ICC trip

There was major traffic as cars belonging to MPs, Senators, Governors and even Cabinet Secretaries made their way to the Embassy from 7am/MUTHONI NJUKI

There was major traffic as cars belonging to MPs, Senators, Governors and even Cabinet Secretaries made their way to the Embassy from 7am/MUTHONI NJUKI

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 3 – Dozens of leaders across the political divide on Friday morning thronged the Dutch Embassy along Riverside Lane in Nairobi to apply for visas to accompany President Uhuru Kenyatta to The Hague.

There was major traffic as cars belonging to MPs, Senators, Governors and even Cabinet Secretaries made their way to the Embassy from 7am.

“I have applied for my visa to travel to Netherlands. It is important we show solidarity with the President of this country. President Kenyatta was elected by majority of Kenyans last year. We must make sure he knows that we have confidence in him. We have to show solidarity,” Lands Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu said.

Samburu Women Representative Maison Leshomo after applying for her visa in a process she described as organised thanked the Dutch Embassy for assisting them to get visas on time.

“I am here, my heart has always been with the President, to go with the Pesident and I have not been forced to go. I am happy with the Dutch Embassy. They are well organised,” she said.

“All MPs want to go, no one has told the other, and everyone is making their own decision and to travel. Even ordinary people are going. I had to stop Samburus from coming also, everyone wants to accompany the President,” she added.

Machakos Town MP, Victor Munyaka said he would accompany the President to give him moral support in his decision to obey the court process.

“It is right to recognise he is the President for all Kenyans. This is a legal process. Whoever is innocent will eventually be proved innocent. We believe he has no case. The prosecutor has repeatedly said she lacks enough evidence,” Munyaka said.

According to the MP, President Kenyatta’s willingness to appear in court will demonstrate that impunity belongs to the past.

“His appearance will be demystifying the Office of the President showing that impunity cannot be allowed whichever part of the society you come from. I want to echo his courage and determination to prove his innocence and for showing that impunity does not work,” he said.

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ODM lawmaker Joseph Nkaiserry was also among those who applied for visas.

Kajiado North MP Joseph Manje and Kieni MP Kanini Kega who also applied for visas said they will accompany the president to support him in his bid to cooperate with the ICC.

Those who applied for visas on Friday morning including media representatives were promised their visas on Friday afternoon.

ICC Trial Chamber V(b) Judges on Wednesday ordered President Kenyatta’s physical presence during the status conference scheduled next Wednesday.

Another status conference which a Government Official is expected to represent Kenya will be held on Tuesday.

Capital FM News has confirmed that Attorney General Githu Muigai will travel over the weekend to represent the Government of Kenya during Tuesday’s status conference.

According to Trial Chamber V(b) the government will explain to the court on the status of cooperation with the prosecution regarding the documents requested by Bensouda in the case against the president.

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