Ethiopian Review

Nairobi, Kenya — Leaders have praised former UN chief Kofi Annan for handing the Waki envelope to ICC Chief Prosecutor Louis Moreno-Ocampo.

American Ambassador Michael Ranneberger said the decision proved Dr Annan and ICC “are very serious”.

“He did the right thing and I support him,” Mr Ranneberger said on telephone from the US.

He said he was hopeful MPs “would do the right thing and establish a local tribunal”.

German Ambassador Walter Lindner said this was a message to leaders that time was of the essence and causes of post-election upheavals must be addressed.

“I support Annan and this is a wake up call for all politicians,” said Lindner.

Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara described the development as a “defining moment in the war against impunity”.

Government Chief Whip George Thuo said the handing of the names was long overdue.

Nominated MP Millie Odhiambo said: “It is a good gesture. The suspects have a right to know they are in that envelope.”

Extra-judicial killings

Former Kabete MP Paul Muite praised the move and called on the ICC team to incorporate extra-judicial killings committed during the violence in its investigation.

International Centre for Policy and Conflict (ICPC) Executive Director Ndung’u Wainaina urged ICC to keep pressure on the Government.

Keiyo North MP Lucas Chepkitony termed the move unexpected. “I am surprised because Annan had given Kenya until August,” he said.

Cherengany MP Joshua Kutuny welcomed the move, but dismissed the list, saying it lacked merit.

Bishop Cornelius Korir of the Catholic Church Eldoret Diocese said only The Hague would deliver justice to victims of post-election violence.

- The Standard