Kenya seeks support of Caribbean countries on ICC

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President Uhuru Kenyatta meets the Prime Minister of Japan, Mr Shinzo Abe, on the sidelines of the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Mr Kenyatta held bilateral meetings with leaders from two Caribbean nations to seek their support for Kenya’s push to amend a controversial International Criminal Court rule at the next Assembly of State Parties in November. AFP  

By JIBRIL ADAN (PSCU)

In Summary

• The controversial Rule 68 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.
• 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.

President Uhuru Kenyatta held bilateral meetings with leaders from two Caribbean nations to seek their support for Kenya’s push to amend a controversial International Criminal Court rule at the next Assembly of State Parties in November.

The President held meetings with the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Mr Gaston Browne, and the President of Guyana, Mr David Granger.

Mr Kenyatta wants the Assembly of State Parties to revisit a rule which was introduced during its 12th session concerning testimony recanted by witnesses.

"The controversial Rule 68 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," the Presidential Strategic Communications (PSCU) said in a statement.

READ: Bensouda seeks to tighten Ruto case

The rule has now been applied in the case facing Deputy President William Ruto and journalist Joshua Sang.

In both bilateral meetings, President Kenyatta and the other 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 Browne reminded President Kenyatta of the role played by the founding leader of Antigua and Barbuda, Vere Cornwall Bird, in Kenya’s independence struggle.

DEEP LINKS

The deep links Kenya has had with Caribbean countries might be more than many Kenyans might know but some are worthy to be noted including 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 Browne, Mr Kenyatta said Kenya and Antigua and Barbados will embark on improving their diplomatic relations.

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

“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.