Kenyan VP returns home after ICC hearing

September 12, 2013 (NAIROBI) – Kenyan vice-president William Ruto returned from The Hague on Thursday, where he had travelled on Monday for the beginning of his trial for crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Both stand accused of murder, forcible population transfer and persecution, during post-election violence in 2007 that led to the death of 1,000 people and displacement of 600,000.

Defence lawyers for the men argue that they are innocent and that the case against them should be dismissed.

The hearing continues next Tuesday, when the prosecution is expected to produce a witness in support of its case.

The presiding judged adjourned the case to allow a witness travel to the Netherlands from an undisclosed location.

Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta, who has also been charged by the ICC, is expected to appear before the court in November.

On Thursday, Uhuru’s spokesman, Manoah Esipisu, said the president and his deputy would continue cooperating with the ICC. However, he added that the cooperation would be within what is permissible under the Kenyan constitution.

(ST)