Originally published on the CGS blog on January 25, 2012.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) announced this week that it will try four defendants from Kenya in connection with the post-election violence which broke out in the country in late 2007.
William Samoei Ruto, Joshua Arap Sang, Francis Muthaura and Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta will be tried by the Court for crimes against humanity. Kenyatta and Ruto were both presidential candidates and holders of high-level positions in Kenya. The ICC declined to confirm charges against two other Kenyans who had been investigated.
Following elections in late 2007, violence broke out in Kenya which resulted in 1,2000 deaths and the displacement of 600,000 people, many of whom still have not returned home.
It’s great news that the ICC is moving forward on the Kenya case and working to bring to justice those responsible for the events that occurred four years ago. Hopefully the trials will hold the perpetrators accountable and help ensure justice is served on behalf of the Kenyan citizens who suffered greatly during the violence.
