Kenyatta lobbies leaders to change ICC rule on evidence

President Uhuru Kenyatta held bilateral meetings with leaders from two Caribbean nations in on-going efforts to amend a controversial International Criminal Court (ICC) rule on recanted testimony by witnesses.

The President held meetings with the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Brown, and the President of Guyana, David Granger, to seek their support in a bid to amend the rule introduced in its 12^th session of the sitting.

In both meetings, President Kenyatta was assured of the support of Caribbean nations for Kenya’s interests on the international platform which is set to come up during the next Assembly of State Parties (ASP) set for November.

Kenya wants the Assembly of State Parties to revisit the controversial Rule 68 which was adopted with an assurance that, just like any other legal instrument, it will not be applied retrospectively to the disadvantage of Kenyans facing cases at the ICC.

There has been an uproar among a section of political leaders and legal experts in Kenya after the rule was applied in the case facing Deputy President William Ruto and radio journalist Joshua Sang.

In both bilateral meetings, President Kenyatta and the leaders resolved that Kenya will renew its historical links with Caribbean countries that were not sustained after independence, to enhance trade and people relations.

Prime Minister Brown reminisced on the role played by founding leader of Antigua and Barbuda, Vere Cornwall Bird in Kenya’s independence struggle with the ties between firmed by the fact that Kenya’s first Chief Justice, Cecil H.E. Miller, was a native of Guyana.

The international legal team that defended founding President Jomo Kenyatta when he was jailed during the independence struggle was assembled by Jamaican lawyer Dudley Thompson.

During the meeting with Prime Minister Brown, President Kenyatta said Kenya and Antigua and Barbados will embark on improving their diplomatic relations.

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed was given the task to work out the next course of action in charting new diplomatic relations between the two countries.

PM Brown assured Kenya that Antigua and Barbuda as well as its neighbours will stand with Kenya on the international stage.

“We have an opportunity to build on the foundations set by our founding leaders,” he said as he announced that Kenyans wishing to visit Antigua and Barbado will have visa free status.

“We promise you of the support of Antigua and Barbado as well as the whole of CARICOM countries,” he said.

The Caribbean Community and Common Market is an association that brings together the 15 countries in the Caribbean and also has five other states that are associate members.

President Kenyatta on his part assured PM Brown that Antigua and Barbado can count on Kenya’s support in all spheres.