Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Ruto’s mother confident her son will beat ICC charges



By EDWIN CHESEREK

Mrs Sarah Cheruiyot, 64, anxiously monitored the ruling by the ICC on the Ocampo Six at her Kamagut home.
Eldoret North MP William Ruto’s mother followed the subsequent judgement in the company of close family members.
By 1pm on Monday, they gathered inside the home for a short prayer ahead of the verdict from the ICC pre-trial chamber.
Besides her was a Bible and hymnbooks placed on the table as she closely monitored the proceedings streaming live from The Hague.
There was a flurry of activity as villagers and visitors thronged the house to follow the unfolding events. Moments later, the damning verdict was handed down confirming that Ruto’s charges were to proceed to full trial.
Silence in translation
Cheruiyot’s translator who had led her through the judge’s ruling suddenly hesitated then fell silent.
It was left up to Ruto’s brother, Mr Paul Maritim, to deliver the devastating news.
"Ka kosirto kot ne kengate ngatatik kole kakisirto kirwok kotestai (The court has ruled that the charges proceed to full trial)," Maritim told his mother in Kalenjin.
Sarah bowed down for a word of prayer and when she raised her head, confidence was beaming on her face.
"I know my son committed no crime and he is innocent. He will come out of trial a clean man," she said.
Although sadness was etched on the faces of friends and relatives, they were also hopeful that Ruto would beat the charges.
The pre-trial chamber confirmed charges against Ruto and radio presenter Joshua Sang. The judges also confirmed charges facing Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Head of Public Service Francis Muthaura.
However, charges against Tinderet MP Henry Kosgey and former Police Commissioner Hussein Ali were dropped.
Ruto’s mother told The Standard she was optimistic the truth would prevail, clearing her son of the alleged accusations.
She quoted John 14:1: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God."
Maritim urged his brother to take courage, saying the family would pray for him.

No comments:

Post a Comment