According to Adek, although Kony didnt transform, his eyes would turn red and on many cases he would foretell especially danger. Adek says Kony warned his troops to vacate certain places and not to go there and all these things came to happen
Dominic Ogwen, the former Commander of Sinia brigade under the rebel Lord's Resistance Army-LRA was indoctrinated by Joseph Kony; a defense witness has told the International Criminal court-ICC.
Ogwen is standing trial in the ICC on 70 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity. His defense team led by Crispus Ayena Odongo started presenting its evidence on Monday before the presiding Judge Bertram Schmitt.
The Former LRA negotiator and Pageya clan Chief Rwot, Yusuf Okwonga Adek testified about Kony's spirituality and how it influenced the minds of children and adults abducted to join the LRA. Ayena asked Adek to explain if the LRA Indoctrinated children and persons abducted and how it affected them.
He questioned if it would influence Ongwen's mindset. In his response, Adek said Kony indoctrinated and initiated all those abducted and this made it difficult for one to abandon the rebellion. He also told court that Kony possessed spiritual powers, which facilitated his existence and that of his soldiers despite being pursued by Government forces.
Adek explained that Kony performed a ceremony at "the Yard" in, which Shea nut oil was smeared on the abductees and water sprinkled on them. He told court that in Acholi culture, shear nut is used for cleansing, to celebrate and to treat certain ailments."Kony isn't alone; he has something that protects him that is very strong. I have seen him use it, and if you have not seen it you may not believe me,” he said.
According to Adek, although Kony didn't transform, his eyes would turn red and on many cases he would foretell especially danger. Adek says Kony warned his troops to vacate certain places and not to go there and all these things came to happen.
He explained that he spent 40 days in the bush with the full knowledge of the Government of Uganda as they tried to push for negotiations between LRA and Government.
According to Adek, one incident he will never forget is when he visited the LRA and found them praying, adding that Kony's eyes turned red and he went out of control. He says Kony's commander's notice and they know this, and when it's happening, they get prepared.
"One day an antelope just appeared from nowhere, when they were praying, and to me this was a big surprise, everyone was paying attention and Kony was praying and this just happened. This was meant for me." Adek said.
The hearing resumes today. Before adjourning court the judge asked Ogwen's defense to complete deliberations on Kony's spirituality and the LRA. Ongwen's defense has lined up several witnesses to testify of his innocence.
Ongwen, who was at the proceeding, was jolly and smiled on different occasions when Adek spoke certain things about the LRA.
