On August 28, 2010, then-US President Barack Obama issued a statement congratulating Kenya on adopting its new constitution, while expressing disappointment that Kenya had hosted Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir during the promulgation celebrations held on August 27, 2010.
In his message, President Obama stated that the passing and promulgation of the Constitution was a significant step forward.
He stated that the approval of the draft constitution showed that Kenya’s leaders and people were committed to a future with unity, democracy, and equal justice for everyone, including the powerful.
However, he criticized Kenya for inviting al-Bashir, noting that the move was in direct defiance of International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants against the Sudanese leader for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
“I am disappointed that Kenya hosted Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir in defiance of International Criminal Court arrest warrants for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide,” Obama said.
Obama Criticizes Kenya for Hosting Bashir
The Obama administration further argued that Kenya had pledged to fully cooperate with the ICC and emphasized that fulfilling these commitments was crucial for international justice.
“In Kenya and beyond, justice is a critical ingredient for lasting peace,” Obama added.
In response, then-Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetang’ula, speaking on behalf of the Kenyan government, dismissed criticism over Bashir’s invitation and the failure to arrest him during the celebrations.
Also Read: Today in History: When a US Catholic Priest Who Had Lived in Kenya for Over 36 Years Was Found Dead
He defended the decision, explaining that the African Union (AU) had requested the ICC to defer Bashir’s arrest warrant to safeguard regional stability.
“Of course, all heads of state are invited by their peer, and their peer is the Head of State. There are no apologies to make about anybody we invited to this function because I am sure we are enhancing peace, security and stability of this region more than anything else,” Wetang’ula said.
Kenya Unapologetic for Hosting Sudan President
Wetang’ula stressed that detaining Bashir, as urged by the international community and observers, could have crippled ongoing peace negotiations at the time in Sudan.
“I know that the peace, stability and security in Sudan is very critical. Equally, justice for the people in Darfur is important. I have no doubt that in time they will find their justice,” he stated.
Bashir, who was wanted by the ICC for gross human rights violations in Darfur, left Kenya immediately after the ceremony under tight government security.
Also Read: Today in History: How M23 Rebel Group in DRC Was Formed
The ICC had issued its first arrest warrant for al-Bashir on March 4, 2009, charging him with five counts of crimes against humanity (including murder, extermination, and torture) and two counts of war crimes (directing attacks against civilians and pillaging).
A second warrant followed on July 12, 2010, adding three counts of genocide for systematically targeting ethnic groups in Darfur. These warrants made al-Bashir the first sitting head of state to be indicted by the ICC.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
