Skip to main content
Kenya - ICC

Kenya to challenge ICC case against six suspects

The Kenyan government said on Wednesday it was set to challenge the International Criminal Court indictment against six men charged with masterminding the 2007-2008 post-election violence. The ICC issued summonses yesterday for the six, including ministers and others in power on Tuesday.

Reuters/Jerry Lampen
Advertising

Kenya's interior and justice ministers and the attorney general have signed a statement saying they will challenge the case, citing the Rome Statute as giving them authority to challenge the court.

Five of the six accused, however, said they were ready to appear before the Hague-based court on 7 April.

"In light of the recent developments at the ICC, I wish to state that I welcome the decision by the judges to issue a summons," said Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, one of the key suspects. He is the son of the founder of modern Kenya, and considered one of the country's most powerful men.

"I am grateful that I will finally have the opportunity to be heard and am entirely confident of my innocence," said Kenyatta. 

The ICC judges found reasonable grounds to believe that those under Kenyatta's direction were responsible for attacks against supporters of Raila Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement.

William Ruto, a former education minister, also said he was ready to go.

The accusations against the six include murder, deportation, rape, inhumane acts, persecution and torture.

Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning

Keep up to date with international news by downloading the RFI app

Share :
Page not found

The content you requested does not exist or is not available anymore.