Deputy President William Ruto, Joshua Sang deny ICC poll violence charges

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

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Deputy President William Ruto and former radio presenter Joshua Sang Tuesday pleaded not guilty to charges facing them at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The two denied being linked to charges bordering on crimes against humanity.

The court heard that Ruto, who was at the time of 2007-2008 post-election violence a key member of the Orange Democratic Movement, engaged in criminal activities targeting supporters of Party of National Unity (PNU) in Rift Valley.

The court heard that Ruto in his capacity as anointed leader of the Kalenjin community, communicated a plan to attack civilian population affiliated to the PNU.

He used his authority to mobilise people, offered them food, transport and instruction in regards to the violence.

Sang, who was by then a broadcaster at a local vernacular radio station, used his platform to broadcast propaganda, preparatory meetings and events location before the attacks. He is also accused of broadcasting alleged murder of his community members to fuel violence.

Counts of charges facing Deputy President William Ruto includes murder of civilians in Turbo, Kapsabet town. Others are deportation and forcible transfer of population in Turbo, Kapsabet and Nandi towns.

The deputy President and Sang watched and smiled during proceedings and pleaded not guilty to each of the three counts of murder, persecution and forcible transfer of people.

Ruto arrived at the International Criminal Court on Tuesday at 10.09 am (Kenyan time) for the start of cases against humanity.

Ruto was met by journalists eager to get photos of him before he stepped into the court room for the commencement of the trial generated by events after the 2007-2008 post election violence.

The trial is before Trial Chamber V(a) composed of Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji (presiding), Judge Olga Herrera Carbuccia and Judge Robert Fremr.

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