Four Kenyans to go on ICC trial over poll violence
January 23, 2012 (NAIROBI) – Judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) ruled on Monday that four Kenyans out of six accused of masterminding the country’s 2007 post-elections violence have a case to answer.
Both suspects, who will stand trial at The Hague, intend to run as presidential candidates in the country’s next elections.
Similar charges were also confirmed against cabinet secretary Francis Muthaura and radio journalist Joshua Arap Sang while former minister of industrialisation, Henry Kiprono Kosgey and former police commissioner Major General Mohammed Hussein Ali were cleared of the charges.
The charges stem from the wave of deadly violence that erupted following the country’s disputed presidential elections in late 2007. The episode of violence in which more than 1,200 people were killed and 500,000 displaced had erupted after incumbent president Kibaki was declared winner of the election against his rival Raila Odinga.
All suspects deny the charges levied against them by the ICC’s chief prosecutor Lousi Moreno Ocampo.
It is not clear whether confirmation of the charges will force Kenyatta and Ruto to give up their ambitions to replace current president Kibaki who is serving his final term.
Ruto, who was a former ally of prime minister Raila Odinga, said his presidential bid will not be affected by the confirmation of the charges.
“I am firmly still in the presidential race, the charges confirmed against me will not affect it,” he said.
Monday’s verdict is expected to alter Kenya’s political landscape as the country prepares to hold elections early next year.
(ST)