Uhuru, Muthaura can remain in office, AG

Kenyan lawyers and MPs reacted sharply to indications that the two International Criminal Court suspects holding public office will not immediately be required to step aside.A day after ICC pre-trial chamber confirmed the charges against Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Head of Public Service Francis Muthaura, Eldoret North MP William Ruto and Kass FM presenter Joshua arap Sang, Attorney-General Githu Muigai said that appeal against the indictments will have to be exhausted before the two are required to vacate office.

The AG also appointed ten lawyers to advise the government on the ruling over the 2007/8 post-election violence. Prof Muigai said he would discuss with Chief Justice Willy Mutunga the possibility of setting up a special division of the High Court to deal with the crimes committed during that period.“We in government are confident that under the stewardship of Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, the Judiciary is robust and capable of undertaking this challenge,” he said.

This came as pressure mounted on President Kibaki to suspend Mr Kenyatta and Mr Muthaura from office until they are cleared of charges of crimes against humanity.Prof Muigai said it was not yet time for the two to leave office since they had have not exhausted appeal options against the ruling.

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