Moi shields Rwanda suspects

PAULINE JELINEK

Associated Press

Nairobi - President Daniel arap Moi refused yesterday to extradite former Rwandan officials living in Kenya who are wanted for trial before an international court on genocide charges.

He said that any international officers who try to apprehend suspects in Kenya will be arrested upon arrival.

"It's outrageous," said Rakiya Omaar, of the London-based Africa Rights. She added that Kenya is one of the main countries in the world harbouring suspects from the genocide that killed an estimated 500,000 people, mostly ethnic Tutsis. "Moi [is] making it very clear that these people have complete and total impunity, not only for now but for ever."

Justice Richard Goldstone, chief prosecutor of the international tribunal, demanded an explanation in a letter sent yesterday to President Moi. He added that Kenya's position would violate international law.