Friday, December 13, 2013
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni launched a scathing attack on Western powers accusing them of using the International Criminal Court (ICC) to dictate the choice of African leaders.
Museveni congratulated Kenyans for rejecting threats from Britain and America over electing President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto who are facing trial at the ICC.
“We
are celebrating 50 years of independence but there is still disdain and
danger in the world,” said the Ugandan leader during the Jamhuri Day
fete at Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani yesterday.
“I want to
congratulate Kenyans. I am not partisan in Kenya internal politics. Am
wishing well all the Kenyan people. However, I want to congratulate you
again for rejecting neo-colonialism this year,” Museveni said.
Nigerian
President Goodluck Jonathan also alluded to the ICC cases saying there
is nobody or institution that can defend Kenyans better than themselves.
“I always say and maintain there is no body and no institution that
can defend people more than the Kenyan people. No institution by anybody
can protect Kenyan people than the rule of Kenya, nobody can love you
more than yourself and nobody can develop Kenya more than yourself,”
President Jonathan observed.
The Nigerian leader stressed that the destiny of Kenya is in the hands of the Kenyan people.
Electing suspects
“The destiny of Kenya is in the hands of the people of Kenya. We need unity in this country to grow. Nigeria and the entire West coast of Africa urges Kenya to come together and build an all-inclusive society for all,” he said.
Ahead of Kenya’s March 4 presidential election,
western states sent out strong signals that electing the two suspects
who face trial at ICC in The Hague would have ‘consequences’ for the
country internationally.
But the Ugandan leader yesterday praised Kenyans for ignoring the threats terming the presidential vote as the ‘second Mau Mau’ uprising against colonialism.