MPs Downplay Reports of Reopening of Deputy President William Ruto's Case at ICC

A section of Members of Parliament have downplayed reports of the revival of Deputy President William Ruto's case at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The MPs accuse the Deputy President's rivals of spreading information about the reopening of the case that collapsed a few years ago due to lack of witnesses.

Last week, the Hague-based court reportedly informed the United Nations that Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda was receiving fresh evidence in relation to the Kenyan case.

"The office of the prosecutor continued to receive information on the commission of crimes against humanity during the post-election violence of 2007—2008,” reads part of an annual report submitted to UN by ICC President Chile Eboe-Osuji.

However, the MPs allied to Jubilee party say that “selfish leaders” are propagating information about the case in a bid to block Ruto from becoming the country's President.

“These so-called ICC reports are not coming from heaven but from within; those propagating it are the enemies of the people. But no evil scheme will stop an idea whose time has come,” says Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungwa.

The leaders spoke when they accompanied Ruto to a church service at the Presbyterian Church of East Africa in Tetu Constituency, Nyeri on Sunday. 

“You were taken to the Netherlands with the President, you emerged victorious. You will still emerge a winner in this episodic witch-hunt, and eventually be our President,” says Tetu MP James Gichuhi.

South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro says nothing can stop Ruto's 2022 presidential quest.

“In Kisii, we have made a firm decision. It is development and more development. We are beyond the empty story-telling schemes from leaders. I urge Mt Kenya to remain steadfast in backing Mr Ruto in 2022 so that we can change the face of Kenya now and in the future,” says Osoro.

Other leaders present include Governors Mutahi Kahiga (Nyeri), Okoth Obado (Migori) and MPs Anthony Kiai (Mukurweini), Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira), Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), Kanini Kega (Kieni) and Jayne Kihara (Naivasha).