Politics
Transcript of Keter’s interview that caused ripples at The Hague
From left: Kuresoi MP Zakayo Cheruiyot, Tinderet MP Henry Kosgey, radio presenter Joshua Sang and Belgut MP Charles Keter outside the ICC at the Hague on September 2, 2011. Photo/WILLIAM OERI/NATION
Posted Friday, September 9 2011 at 22:30
The Saturday Nation has obtained transcripts of an interview by Belgut MP Charles Keter which on Thursday caused ripples at the International Criminal Court at The Hague during closing submissions for three of the Ocampo Six.
In the 12-14 minute interview obtained from Kass FM studios and another from Globaltrack, an independent media monitoring company based in Nairobi, Mr Keter describes the witnesses as “liars” who were “living comfortably with their children.” (Read: MP faces hate call claims at the Hague)
Ms Sureta Chana, representing 327 victims of the post-election violence, said Mr Keter’s Tuesday’s call to the vernacular radio station was inciting and a demonstration that victims were being intimidated and living in fear of renewed attacks.
Mr Keter has since ferociously denied the claims, vowing he would not be intimidated at home or at The Hague.
He has also declared he is prepared to be arrested.
Below are excerpts of the interview with Kass FM presenter Parvin Sigei:
Host: How is the weather in the Netherlands?
Mr Keter: It is cold and raining.
Host: Is it raining? Is it cold?
Mr Keter: Fine, it is raining not cold.
Host: How was yesterday? And what are today’s plans?
Mr Keter: We are going back to Sang’s session at 4pm Kenya time. I think by Thursday, Friday, God willing, we shall have cleared and be home-bound.
Mr Keter: I know everybody heard the lies for themselves. What Ocampo used were liars who gave inconsistent days. We are aware others have been told to write more lies. When William was said to be at his home planning meetings, he was attending a huge campaign rally Kapkatet.
When Sang was said to be meeting Ruto, he was at the studio working. We are happy the prosecution has not proved any of the said meetings. We want to thank the Kalenjin people wherever they may be for praying for us.
I trust that you saw the lies. Our people say Matonone lembeita kosi’r (lies can never endure) yet these people who have told these lies are ours.
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Submitted by WEKECHRISPosted Mon Sep 12 16:15:01 EAT 2011
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Submitted by odhiodongo
Somebody will soon say that it was a lie that post election violence took place in early 2008 in Kenya!
Posted Mon Sep 12 15:16:37 EAT 2011 -
Submitted by komoso
There is something cooking in Keters interview
Posted Mon Sep 12 08:55:20 EAT 2011 -
Submitted by prophet6
Just like the Ocampo witnesses Ms Chana has been duped. The new hate speech witnesses are hoping to get a witness protection lfestyle. Poverty and unemployment at work.
Posted Mon Sep 12 08:01:39 EAT 2011 -
Submitted by nmwenesi
The original Kalenjin version had threat, next time don't water down your translation.
Posted Mon Sep 12 07:37:08 EAT 2011
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Thanks Nation for the transcript. When this thing was 1st announced, i thought Hon Keter had done a silly thing but from this transcript, i a can't see anything either inciting or threatening.