- The former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo was sentenced to death after he was found guilty of charges pressed against him
- Just days after this, Kabila was spotted in Kenya, where he held a meeting with opposition leaders from the DRC
- This has sparked mixed reactions from Kenyans, with some speculating on the repercussions that Kabila’s decision could have on Kenya
Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya decision
Former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Joseph Kabila, was spotted in Kenya days after he was sentenced to death.
Source: Getty Images
The development has sparked mixed reactions in Kenya, with some questioning Kabila’s presence in the country and others speculating on the potential repercussions for Kenya.
Kabila was in Nairobi for a meeting with DRC opposition leaders.
Why was Joseph Kabila sentenced to death?
Kabila, who served as the DRC’s president from 2001 to 2019, was convicted of treason and crimes against humanity.
He was also found guilty of sexual assault, torture, murder and insurrection. In addition to the charges pressed against him, Kabila was accused of conspiracy and supporting terrorist acts.
The court said the death penalty was appropriate due to the severity of his crimes.
Kabila left the DRC after stepping down in 2019, and his whereabouts remained unknown for a while. His first return to the DRC was in April, before he disappeared again until Tuesday, October 14, when he was spotted in Kenya.
His trial was held in his absence, with his legal team representing him. The judgment was passed on Tuesday, September 30, by Lieutenant General Joseph Mutombo Katalayi.
How did Kenyans react to Kabila’s presence in Kenya?
Kenyans took to social media to share their views on Kabila’s presence in the country following the landmark ruling in his case.
Mwangi:
“Ex-Congolese President Joseph Kabila, recently sentenced to death for war crimes, has resurfaced in Nairobi to meet opposition figures, a move likely to trigger a diplomatic protest from Kinshasa and reignite Kenya–DRC tensions.
Lawyer Miguna Miguna:
” William Ruto loves war criminals and looters—from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Sudan.”
Kenyan Vigilante:
“Another diplomatic blunder, similar to the one that cost Raila Odinga the AUC seat.”
Dr. Dash:
“During this meeting in Nairobi, former President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo , Joseph Kabila, made a clear statement to President Tshisekedi, who sentenced Kabila to death last month.
It doesn’t look good for Tshisekedi.”
Source: TUKO.co.ke
