A Kenyan lawyer has dismissed possible arraignment of National Super Alliance (NASA) flag bearer Raila Odinga and running mate Kalonzo Musyoka to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, lawyer Allan Magero divulged that the two opposition leaders had not committed any crimes against humanity as alleged in the petition against them.
The lawyer further stated that the process of arraigning an individual is tedious considering there has to be substantial evidence and witnesses involved.
Magero highlighted that the case against Odinga and Kalonzo was a small matter that could be dealt with by our local courts.
“For Raila and Kalonzo to be taken to ICC, they must have committed a crime against humanity. The charges are petty issues that can be dealt with by our courts,” the lawyer explained.
[caption caption="Lawyer Allan Magero"][/caption]
“The international law can only be applied against the two leaders if they could have directed demonstrators to destroy people’s property,” he added.
This comes after ICC confirmed receiving a petition filed against Odinga and the Wiper leader.
The petition was filed by two Kenyans, Kenneth Otieno and Martin Nkari, seeking ICC Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda to launch investigations on the Opposition leaders over allegations of inciting Kenyans into violence.
Some of the allegations listed in the petition include; ethnic violence, mobilisation and profiling, rape, sexual and gender-based crimes, targeted aggression, violent utterances and constant call to violent demonstrations and call to arms.
The petition was, however, dismissed by a section of Opposition leaders who noted that their leaders had not committed any crime.
[caption caption="NASA Flag bearer Raila Odinga with Running Mate Kalonzo Musyoka"][/caption]