French ambassador tells Kenya to end impunity
Nairobi — Kenya should end impunity to avoid reoccurrence of post-election violence and attract foreign investors, the French Ambassador to Kenya Elizabeth Barbier has said.
Speaking during the French National Day (Bastille Day) celebrations yesterday Ms Barbier said undertaking fundamental reforms is the only way to ensure stability.
The ambassador said: "If Kenya wants to make sure the terrible events of last year never happen again, there is only one way: fundamental reforms — not only process but progress and results. An end must be put to impunity. It is not easy but it is the only way to ensure long-term stability".
Barbier said France and other European Union members are ready to help Kenya stabilise.
Justice for victims
Prime Minister Raila Odinga who was expected to grace the occasion failed to turn up as he was held in a Cabinet meeting.
Speaking during the celebrations, Assistant Minister for Trade Omingo Magara said all is not lost for Kenya despite the handing of Waki envelope to International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague.
The minister said: "Whether we settle for a local Tribunal or The Hague, what we want is justice for victims of post-election violence. We need to curb impunity for purposes of growth".
He said proceeding with the trials would, in addition to ending impunity, deter would-be perpetrators of crimes against humanity.
"Hague was initiated by the Serena Team and, therefore, Government should not panic. Let perpetrators of violence face justice," he added.
On the crisis in Somalia, the French Ambassador said Kenya and the international community should be worried of the "extremely worrying humanitarian and security situation".
"This is a cause for deep concern for the International community and Kenya in particular," she said.
- By James Ratemo and Fatuma Fugicha | The Standard