Ruto’s objection to involving Scotland, FBI in probing extra-judicial killings well thought out
The Mt Kenya Times 
President William Ruto and Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga
By: Joseph Mutua Ndonga
Worth Noting:
- Dr Adhiambo Mbai, whose murder was associated with his role at the Bomas of Kenya Constitutional conference where he led the Devolution committee, is one of those who died during President Kibaki’s tenure.
- Under Uhuru Kenyatta presidency, a number of extra-judicial killings and enforced disappearances were reported and documented by human rights groups.
- During this period, Dr Ruto served as the Deputy President. As we know, ours is a presidential system where the head of state enjoys a lot of power. So, many believed that Dr Ruto could not have done much even if he had the will to ensure these violations were probed.
A few days ago, President William Ruto faulted the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition flag bearer Raila Odinga for calling on his administration to invite foreign sleuths to help in probing reported cases of extra-judicial killings and enforced disappearances in Kenya.
He argued that his government is looking forward to forming a professional investigative arm within the National Police Service [NPS] that is reliable and responsive to the needs of the people of Kenya.
We do need to rely on Scotland and FBI to come and tell us on how to deal and dismantle the murderous police squads. We have the capacity to create our institutions the same way US and Britain created theirs.
Here I concur with the President. Let me explain why. First, this is not the first time we have heard the opposition leadership making this kind of demands.
The efforts, however, would not bear fruits because the investigations carried out would apparently not meet the high thresholds of cases that fall under the armpit of the criminal justice system.
As a result, it would be rare to hear one has been arraigned in court and, if it happens, the prosecution won’t have sufficient evidence to prove their case and so it is hard to secure any conviction. With this, Kenyan taxpayers’ would end up carrying the whole burden.
When invited, the government has a responsibility to cater for all the expenses of the detectives. Apart from them flying in, it would cater for their accommodation, security, local VIP transport and pay them hefty out-of-pocket allowances.
I’m not holding brief for President William Ruto but one can understand where he is coming from. The history is replete with hundreds of cases of high profile murders and extra-judicial killings.
Up to date the perpetrators have never been apprehended or brought to book. This is despite the fact FBI and Scotland had been invited to probe some of these killings and the notable ones included the cold murders of Foreign Affairs minister Dr Robert Ouko and Catholic priest father Kaiser that occurred during the era of President Daniel Arap Moi.
Dr Adhiambo Mbai, whose murder was associated with his role at the Bomas of Kenya Constitutional conference where he led the Devolution committee, is one of those who died during President Kibaki’s tenure.
Under Uhuru Kenyatta presidency, a number of extra-judicial killings and enforced disappearances were reported and documented by human rights groups.
During this period, Dr Ruto served as the Deputy President. As we know, ours is a presidential system where the head of state enjoys a lot of power. So, many believed that Dr Ruto could not have done much even if he had the will to ensure these violations were probed.
As a principal assistant to the president, the law required him to perform the roles assigned to him by the President.
Being a champion of human rights issues, I’m one of those who strongly abhor demonic acts of extra-judicial killings and forced disappearances.
My position has always remained clear. The government is bound to follow the due process of law when dealing with matters of crime.
In light of this, Raila-led Azimio coalition is on the right course. However, I would urge them to spend much of their energy in challenging the government to walk the talk. Without the goodwill, inviting FBI and Scotland will be a waste of time and resources.
I’m happy to note that Dr Ruto has already stated he does not intend to weaponise the war against crime. All criminals must be dealt with in accordance with law, no matter their political leaning, affiliation and social status. So, it is too early to judge him. Let us support his roadmap.
Joseph Mutua Ndonga is a writer and political commentator based in Nairobi
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