Ruto breaches ICC protocol at The Hague

By Peter Opiyo and David OchamiEldoret North MP, William Ruto jumped the gun and started defending himself against the allegations levelled against him, saying they were only ‘possible in a movie’ when he appeared in The Hague Thursday.
Mr Ruto had to be cut short by Pre-Trial Chamber II Presiding Judge Ekaterina Trendafilova, who informed him that he was contravening the guidelines that had been read out before the proceedings started.
"The allegations that have been made here sound to me like they can only be possible in a movie. An innocent person like me to be dragged all the way here is a matter that puzzles me," said Ruto.
At this point the judge cut in: " Thank you Mr Ruto, you will have all the opportunity."
At the proceedings, the suspects were only expected to confirm their identities, knowledge of the charges against them, and a hearing date for the confirmation of the charges set.
Sufficiently Informed
Ruto, together with Tinderet MP, Henry Kosgey and radio presenter Joshua Sang, confirmed that they are aware of the charges against them, with Sang saying, "I am an innocent journalist.
"Your honour, I have been sufficiently informed of these allegations, and I even had occasion to pay a visit to the office of the Prosecutor to ascertain the issues that are being raised and alleged against me..." Ruto said.
In an interview with the media after the proceedings Ruto said the ICC process is choreographed, and that he would use every opportunity to tell his supporters about it.
"The entire process is choreographed and manufactured for reasons other than justice. We will continue to express to our supporters and Kenyans our opinions about this," he said.
Judge Trendafilova had earlier, in the Court, warned the suspects against remarks that may re-ignite violence, pointing out that the chamber is aware of dangerous speeches, through Kenyan newspapers, that may reignite violence. She also warned that the Court would not hesitate to replace the summonses with warrants of arrest.
But in the interview Ruto said: "We have not tried to whip up emotion. Kenyans know we have been framed. We will continue to say we are innocent. If there is anything I will do, I will continue to demonstrate to everybody that I am innocent. We will demonstrate that the whole of this story was a set-up."