Today's Headlines
- Lessons and Implications of the Confirmation of Charges Against Kenya's 'Ocampo Four'
- Finance Minister Quits Over ICC Charges
- Shortage of HIV Test Kits Raises Concerns
- Living On the Edge in Turkana Region
- Ali Breaks Silence, Describes Delight At Acquittal
- Uhuru, Ruto Eligible for Presidency - CIC
- Tea Sector Posts Record Earnings in 2011
- Resettle IDPs, Urges Annan
- Uhuru, Muthaura Have Done the Right Thing
- All Displaced People Should Return Home
- Concern Raised As Parents Shun Schools in Poll Violence Hotspots
- Ruling On IEBC Hiring in February
- Country Working Towards Conditions Needed for Direct Flights to U.S.
- How ICC Claimed Kibaki's Lieutenants
- Geothermal Project to Receive Sh10 Billion Funding Boost
- Five Million to Get IDs Before Elections
- Speed Up Building Port
- Uhuru and Muthaura Did Well to Quit Posts
- A Full Plate Awaits Githae
- Clashes Continue in Moyale
- Baraza Case to Be Heard Monday
- Two Firms in Joint Venture to Drill for Oil Near Lodwar
- Exit Uhuru, Muthaura
- ICC Charges Hound Uhuru Out of Treasury
- Consumers Grow Despite Inflation
- Poor Relations Between Banks Blamed for Cash Shortages
- Fish Prices Up As Vegetable Supply Dwindles
- Consumers to Pay More for Milk and Bread As Prices Rise
- Kibaki Tasks Ex-Dar CJ to Lead Probe in Kenya
- Mombasa Port Cargo Congestion Forces Three-Month Fees Waiver
Eric Shimoli and Bernard Namunane
1 September 2010
Nairobi — A top team of International Criminal Court officials on Wednesday met with government leaders to explore the possibility of the court setting up base in Kenya.
Among the issues discussed was according ICC judges, prosecutors and other members of staff diplomatic status.
The Rome Statute, which established the court, provides for such status to allow the court to operate efficiently.
It is expected a decision will be made by Friday
A statement by International Criminal Court registrar Silvana Arbia after the meeting read: "I met with the Cabinet committee chaired by minister (George) Saitoti to discuss the operational and legal framework that is essential for the court to conduct its work in Kenya."
The registry is one of the four organs of the ICC and it is responsible for the non-judicial aspects of administering and servicing the court.
It is a neutral organ of the court and provides support to victims, witnesses and the defence, where necessary.
Other organs are the presidency, the court's divisions and the office of the prosecutor.
Ms Arbia is on a four-day visit as the court prepares to deal with Kenya's post-election violence.
Prof Saitoti, who chairs the Cabinet committee on ICC affairs, briefed the media in the absence of Ms Arbia at Harambee House.
Said the minister: "We held fruitful discussions with Ms Arbia, the ICC registrar and her team and reviewed progress made in facilitating the ICC to carry out its mandate."
Prof Saitoti said the government had handed over all documents that had been requested by the ICC and provided security to the investigators.
Cabinet colleagues James Orengo (Lands), Otieno Kajwang' (Immigration) and Amason Jeffa Kingi (Fisheries), who are also members of the sub-committee, attended the meeting.
Mr Orengo said Ms Arbia was pleased with the support from the government, adding the Kenya would comply with its obligations to The Hague.
"Kenya is dealing with matters relating to the ICC and we will comply. The registrar is very happy about it."
Sources said Ms Arbia was laying ground for the final push on the investigations scheduled to be concluded in December.
