Drop presidency quest, Uhuru and Ruto told

Former Ethics and Anti-Corruption PS John Githongo displays a copy of the book, Advocates for Change: How to Overcome Africa's Challenges, during its launch in Nairobi, May 31st, 2012. He urged Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto to drop their quest for the presidency. STEPHEN MUDIARI 

By DAVE OPIYO dopiyo@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted  Thursday, May 31  2012 at  14:15

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Eldoret North MP William Ruto have been urged to abandon their quest for the Kenyan presidency.

Former Ethics and Anti-Corruption PS John Githongo said it would be ‘bizarre’ for the two, who are facing crimes against humanity charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) to vie for the presidency in the forthcoming General Election.

“It is utterly bizarre for them to even think of standing for the presidency,” said Mr Githongo Thursday in Nairobi, when he launched the book “Advocates for Change; How to overcome Africa’s Challenges.”

The two, together with suspended head of Public Service Francis Muthaura and radio presenter Joshua arap Sanga are charged with crimes against humanity during the 2007/08 post election violence that left 1,133 people dead and 650,000 others displaced.

The four are due to attend a Status Conference on June 11 and 12 at The Hague-based court where among other things, the trial date is expected to be set.

However, Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto have insisted the ICC charges will not deter their presidential ambitions.

They have found backing from Justice minister Eugene Wamalwa, who has said there was no express provision in the Constitution that bars the two from contesting any elective position.

"Article 66 of the Rome Statute outlines the basic principle of justice where one is presumed innocent until proven guilty and so does the Kenyan Constitution,” he said.