Earlier today, Trial Chamber V (a) of the International Criminal Court acquitted my Deputy President, Honourable William Ruto, and Mr. Joshua Arap Sang. I welcome the aforementioned decision, which reaffirms my strong conviction from the beginning about the innocence of my Deputy President. From the start of this case, I have believed that this case was ill-conceived and never grounded on the proper examination of our experience of 2007/2008 as a nation.
Over the last six years, My Deputy President, together with a number of other Kenyans, including myself, have endured a painful journey with the ICC. As individuals and as a country, we have cooperated fully with the court, and my Deputy has, at the same time, also borne the heavy responsibilities of leadership, while attending the hearing at the Hague. Today, he has been vindicated.
As we welcome this decision, Kenya together with like-minded nations, will remain seized of the efforts geared towards the pursuit of justice and equitable participation in the international justice system. As a nation, we recognize our duty to, and respect for, international law and institutions. We will therefore continue to pursue ways to improve the delivery of international justice, uphold the rule of law and promote a just and fair global order.
To my Fellow Compatriots,
Each and every Kenyan was touched by the tragedy that befell our nation in 2007-2008. Each and every victim of this unfortunate happening matters. Not one of them has been forgotten. Their suffering demanded of us as leadership to seek reconciliation. My Deputy and I campaigned and were elected on a platform to unite and reconcile our motherland. When you entrusted the leadership of the country to our administration, you made us responsible for the healing and reconciliation of our people.
Kenya has come a long way since the dark days of 2008. We have made peace. We have given ourselves a new constitution and a new political order. We have resettled and compensated many victims, and continue to respond to the outcomes of that unfortunate period of our history.
I invite each and every Kenya to double our efforts in building our nation.
When the ICC case against me was dropped, I told Kenyans that I could not celebrate until all the cases had been terminated.
So, today, I call upon all Kenyans of goodwill to join us at the Afraha Stadium, Nakuru, on Saturday 16th April 2016, for a thanksgiving service. This will be an opportunity for prayers for healing, reconciliation and unity of Kenya as we push on the path of inclusive prosperity for all.
Thank you. God bless Kenya.
