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"content": "exclusion of all other narratives. You say that whether we came or not, it was done. Yes, it could have been done and that message was sent. But also we resist the use of public institutions of this nature to manipulate public opinion. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I was also firmly informed that the processes for convening – and I wish Sen. Wetangula was here to give further information – special sessions were not adhered to. We have laid down parliamentary procedures which must be followed to the letter and spirit, notwithstanding the political circumstances. If we need to respect institutions, let us respect all the institutions. If we need to respect laws, let us respect all the laws. For some of us, it is normal to respect laws. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, do you think that for those of us who live on this side of the political divide, it would have been easy for us if we did not respect laws? Therefore, let there not be a temptation to make it appear like it is such an extra ordinary feat for a personal problem to metamorphose into some national euphoria, thereby telling us that it was such an act of magnanimity. I can tell you for a fact that the opposition were the first people to say that President Uhuru should attend to court because the opposition was cognizant of the dire consequences, not only on his person and, probably, even in terms of Kenya, in terms of its framework of international relations. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, just because an issue appears popular at a point in time in our history, it does not make it right. Today, some of the greatest jurists, lecturers and people who we made reference to their work in this country when we were in school are today calling the ICC a western court to victimize African leaders. When the west gives you money for your coffers, they are your partners. When they ask you for accountability like every other community or well meaning people within the fraternity of human rights and international justice, they become neo-colonialists. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I have stood up and sought this opportunity to address one or two issues that I think, in the realm of what you call a “meeting,” is what you call “matters arising.” Therefore, the matters arising from the President’s speech is that, then, it should also serve as a public policy message to stop the politicization of this process; to make the ICC the theatre to test your facts. Thirdly, to ensure that we respect all laws, particularly those laws that binds us within the jurisdiction of the Kenyan State. Sovereignty is not about floating your own Constitution and laws. First and foremost, sovereignty means you bear principal allegiance to your own. Therefore, if it is matters of sovereignty, this issue has also been dealt with in matters of international law. You cannot bring matters of sovereignty on matters of accountability and what we call crimes that shock the conscience of humanity; that is, the crimes against humanity or crimes that are referred to in the Rome Statute of the ICC. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, therefore, whether we like it or not, these actions have become deterrence. Never again shall this country be put through the theatre of The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}