ICC to name suspects in Kenya election violence

The Hague, Netherlands, 15 Dec – (ANA)- The prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC) is set to announce the names of six Kenyans he accuses of being behind the violence that followed the disputed 2007 elections.

ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo is focusing on two cases of post-election violence, which spread throughout the country after protests by Mr Odinga's supporters.

Each of the six will be served with a court summons, but if they fail to turn up or if they attempt to hinder the investigation - for example by intimidating witnesses - Mr Ocampo says he will request arrest warrants.

Some 1,200 people were killed and more than 500,000 fled their homes.

In the peace deal that followed it was agreed that the perpetrators of the violence would face justice either in Kenya or at the ICC in the Hague.

Kenyan MPs have so far blocked moves to set up a local tribunal.

On Monday, President Mwai Kibaki announced the government would launch its own investigation - a move his critics have denounced as an attempt to prevent suspects being sent to The Hague.

The violence broke out after Mr Kibaki's supporters were accused of trying to rig the presidential election.

It ended when Mr Kibaki and his rival Raila Odinga agreed to share power, with Mr Odinga becoming prime minister.

Kenyan police have been put on alert in case the announcement sparks renewed clashes. (ANA)

FA/ANA/15 December 2010------