Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Head of Civil Service Francis Muthaura and former Higher Education Minister William Ruto tops list of six Kenyans allegedly most wanted for the 2007 post-election violence, that claimed lives of over 1,200 Kenyans.
Former Police Commissioner Hussein Ali, Minister for Industrialisation Henry Kosgey and a journaist Joshua Sang complete the list of the big six Ocampo wants indicted.
In a swift rejoinder, President Mwai Kibaki called for calm and urged those named not to resign from government until the allegations against them are proven by the court.
The six were named on Wednesday by ICC Chief prosecutor, Luis Moreno-Ocampo in a live televised forum from ICC offices in The Hague, Netherlands.
"I wish to state that the people who have been mentioned have not yet been fully investigated as the pre-trial process in The Hague has only but began. They therefore cannot be judged as guilty until the charges are confirmed by the court," reads Kibaki's satement in part.
Kibaki said calls for action against the named six are prejudicial, preemptive and against the rules of natural justice.
"In the meantime I wish to state that the government is fully committed to the establishment of a local tribunal to deal with those behind the post election violence, in accordance with stipulations of the new constitution," Kibaki said.
The president called for patience sayong security has been beefed up across the country.
He said: "As a nation we must also focus on the need for national healing and reconciliation. This is paramount as we move forward on the path of national peace and unity.I also wish to assure Kenyans that the government has intensified security around the country.The government is providing full support to our security forces to enable them perform their duties of protecting the lives of all citizens and their property."
With the naming political careers are at risk especialyy bearing in mind that the trial process may drag past 2012, the year kenya will hold a general election.
Uhuru kenyatta, akey ally and possible heir of President Kibaki, and William Ruto, have expressed presidential ambitions.
For Raila Odinga too, the naming of Henry Kosgey among the 'wanted' six has dealt a major blow to his hold in Riftvalley. Kosgey has been an astute supporter of Odinga in the Riftvalley, a vote-rich province, especilaly the premier faell ot with Ruto.
Kenyans will definitely be treated to a flurry of political activities as alliances shift and politicians devise new survival tactics ahaed of 2012.
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