23.01.12 - ICC/KENYA - ICC CONFIRMS CHARGES AGAINST FOUR TOP KENYANS

23 January 2012 By

The Hague, January 23, 2012 (FH) - The International Criminal Court has confirmed charges against four out of six Kenyan suspects and ordered them to be tried, it announced on Monday. It confirmed charges of crimes against humanity against Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, former Education Minister William Ruto, cabinet secretary Francis Muthaura and Kass FM journalist Joshua Sang. The court did not confirm charges against former police chief Hussein Ali and former Industry Minister Henry Kosgey.

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All six had been accused in connection with their alleged role in 2007-2008 post-electoral violence which left more than 1,000 people dead. They all appeared voluntarily before the court in September and October 2011 for confirmation of charges hearings.

Judge Hans Peter Kaul of Germany issued a dissenting opinion, in which he contested the nature of the crimes and expressed the view that they fell within the competence of Kenyan courts. Kaul had also opposed the opening of investigations by the ICC. The prosecutor was authorized to open an investigation on March 31, 2010.

Kenyatta and Ruto are hoping to run as candidates in Kenya's next presidential elections, scheduled for 2013.

SM/ER/JC