Jubilee MPs have challenged Cord leader Raila Odinga to give evidence at the International Criminal Court to exonerate Deputy President William Ruto and former journalist Joshua Sang.
The more than 100 MPs, senators and MCA’s said Mr Odinga should also record a statement with the Director of Public Prosecution over the case.
The political leaders spoke on Sunday during a prayer rally for Mr Ruto, Mr Sang and the Post-Election Violence victims at DEB Primary School in Meru town.
Led by National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale and his Senate counterpart Kithure Kindiki, the leaders said Mr Odinga must come clean on what he knows on the alleged “procurement” of witnesses against Mr Ruto.
They maintained that the ODM party leader should take the stand at The Hague-based court and not his brother Oburu Odinga.
Mr Duale said claims of witness procurement was proof that the case was political from the start.
“We respect Raila’s brother Oburu for his offer to testify. But Mr Odinga cannot be replaced by his brother. We want him personally testify in this case so that the two can be freed,” Mr Duale said.
AFRAID TO TESTIFY
He added: “He must also appear alongside Ms Martha Karua, Prof Anyang Nyong’o, Mr Moses Kuria before the Director of Public Prosecution and record a statement on what they know about the case at the ICC.”
Prof Kindiki cautioned Cord against seeking cheap publicity by plotting to testify in defense of Mr Ruto.
“They are free to say what they know of the innocence of the two Kenyans. Those who want to testify in favour of Mr Ruto and Mr Sang should record statements with the DPP and ICC so that the case ends. But, let them be warned, don’t play politics with this issue,” Prof Kindiki said.
Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria said he is not afraid to testify before the ICC.
“I have agreed to meet ICC and be a defense witness because I have a story to tell. But ICC should not be used to gag or intimidate me,” he said.
Senators Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo-Marakwet), Mr Kiraitu Murungi (Meru) and Mr Charles Keter (Kericho) asserted that the ICC issue will not split the Jubilee coalition.
Former Head of Civil Service Francis Muthaura whose case was terminated by the court accused former ICC prosecutor Moreno Ocampo of “packaging” lies against Kenyans.
“At the end of these cases, it will be Mr Ocampo who will be on trial. It is just a matter of time and they will be free. We are passing a clear message that we cannot be all wrong as Kenyans,” Mr Muthaura said.
-nation.co.ke
