ICC is threatening Kenya’s future as an oil exporting country

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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The top two democratically elected leaders of Kenya face trials in International Criminal Court while the country is on the spur of becoming an oil exporter as soon as next year. The Hague is been criticized for its schedule, especially for calling both the leaders at the same time.

The Eurasia Group has warned that ICC trials might threaten to delay revisions to oil and mining laws. The region seems to be questioning the biasness and reliability of the ICC. Kenyans also worry about the future of their country if their democratic leaders were to be found guilty.

“The start of President Kenyatta’s and Deputy President Ruto’s trials could slow the legislative agenda, potentially pushing petroleum and mining code revisions into the first half of next year,” writes Clare Allenson, an Africa association with Eurasia Group.

Although President Kenyatta urged the ICC to reschedule the trials as both Ruto and himself cannot be absent from their jobs at the same time, he alleged that the duo can successfully run the country while fighting the case. Kenyatta and Ruto – former political foes – won the March election on a joint ticket. The parliament consists of the majority that supports the duo.

Last week, the Kenyan parliament voted in favor of a motion to leave the ICC as it was targeting the Kenyan leadership on baseless grounds. House Majority Speaker Aden Duale will present a bill to that effect within 30 days. The process of backing out of the ICC is time consuming and requires the country to approach the United Nations.