William Ruto off to The Hague as chaos case resumes

Deputy President William Ruto on Sunday night flew to The Hague in readiness for testimony by nine witnesses.

The nine are said to have inside information on his alleged role in the 2007-2008 post-election violence.

Monday’s session, however, is likely to be a status conference to determine outstanding issues in a case in which Mr Ruto and former broadcast journalist Joshua arap Sang are facing crimes against humanity charges.

Among the outstanding issues is the manner in which the witnesses will give their evidence and the length of their testimonies, which will end the prosecution’s case against Mr Ruto.

REQUIRED TO ATTEND

Trial Chamber judges Chile Eboe Osuji, Olga Herrera Carbuccia and Robert Fremr ruled that the witnesses have to appear before the International Criminal Court (ICC) either through video link or by giving evidence at an agreed location in Kenya.

The government had initially opposed the ruling compelling the witnesses to testify. It had argued that it was not within its jurisdiction to enforce the ruling of the judges.

Sunday, ICC outreach officer for Kenya and Uganda Maria Kamara said: “Under the conditions of the excusal, Mr Ruto is required to attend court sessions for five days when the court resumes after a judicial recess. The chamber is not likely to entertain any requests for skipping sessions.”

STATEMENTS RECANTED

Among those lined up to testify are witnesses 495, 397, 524, 516, 336, 323, 604, 17 and 15.

They had recanted the statements that they had recorded with the ICC investigators, citing threats, intimidation and bribery.

ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said: “According to the witness (15), Ruto was present and participated in 11 meetings to prepare for the attacks, during which the participants discussed the procurement of firearms, the selection of field commanders and the arrangement of finances and logistics.”