ICC worried over Kenya post-election riots witnesses (BBC)
The International Criminal Court in The Hague has expressed concerns over witnesses in the Kenya’s deadly riots trial. The prosecutors say that the witnesses are being intimidated and have asked the government to make sure they are properly protected against any form of intimidation and possible assassination. Post election violence in 2007 and 2008 led to the death of hundreds of people.
The ICC has taken the fight to punish those suspected of instigating the riots since the country concerned is not making efforts to punish those involved. Prominent politicians and some cabinet members are believed to be at the heart of the riots hence the government’s reluctance in dealing with the issue. The international community has urged Kenyan authorities to take up the issue seriously and punish offenders. Clashes between supporters of Mr. Kibaki who won the elections in 2007 and Mr. Odinga whose supporters claim there was foul play erupted into the riots which destabilized the country. The two leaders are now running a power sharing government.