By Zach Waksman
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa
NAIROBI, Kenya – In the wake of Monday’s confirmation of charges for crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court, two high-ranking officials in the Kenyan government resigned from their positions Thursday. Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Francis Muthaura both decided to step down was pressure on them mounted. Kenyatta, who is also a presidential candidate this year, will remain in the government in his other role as Deputy Prime Minister.
The reasons for their decisions were not stated. After the ICC made its announcement, members of the Orange Democratic Movement called for both men to be fired from their posts. As part of the commission that investigated the post-election violence of 2007-2008 for which they are accused of inciting, an agreement was struck regarding the effects of allegations on members of the government.
“The parties shall ensure that any person holding public office or any public servant charged with a criminal offence related to 2008 post-election violence shall be suspended from duty until the matter is fully adjudicated upon,” it states.
It adds: “The parties shall ensure that any person convicted of a post-election violence offence is barred from holding any public office or contesting any electoral position.”
Kenyatta has not yet stated whether he would end his campaign. But according to Justice Minister Mutula Kilonzo, the allegations should preclude Kenyatta and MP William Ruto, who also faces charges, from continuing their presidential runs.
“It is just impunity because you can’t take a court of law for granted and we don’t know what the court will say,” Kilonzo said during the launch of the East African Centre for Human Rights.
Nairobi Metropolitan Minister Njeru Githae will take Kenyatta’s place as Finance Minister. Internal Security Permanent Secretary Francis Kimemia is the acting Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet.
For more information, please see:
BBC — Kenya ICC: Kenyatta Resigns from Finance Role — 26 January 2012
Daily Nation — Uhuru, Muthaura Bow to Pressure, Step Aside — 26 January 2012
The Standard — Uhuru, Muthaura Step Aside — 26 January 2012
Washington Post — Kenya Finance Minister, Cabinet Secretary Leave Posts over ICC Charges on Election Violence — 26 January 2012
Daily Nation — ODM Legislators Now Want Uhuru, Muthaura Sacked — 24 January 2012
