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| Deputy President William Ruto in the dock at the International Criminal Court where he pleaded not guilty to charges against him. |
By Felix Olick at The Hague
Netherlands: Deputy President William Ruto arrived at International Criminal Court (ICC) for the opening of his trial in four sleek Mercedes Benz vehicles shortly before 9am local time.
Ruto, who was dressed in a grey suit, a red-striped tie and a white shirt was accompanied by his wife Rachel and Kenya’s ambassador to Netherlands Makena Muchiri.
After alighting from his car, Ruto held his wife’s hand as one of their daughters walked by their side.
His security team viciously pushed away a battery of Kenyan and international journalist, who had blocked his way seeking a comment.
But despite the unfolding drama, the deputy president remained mum, occasionally smiling as journalists kept milling around him.
His lead counsel Karim Khan, who had arrived at the court about 20 minutes earlier, quickly walked out to receive him.
Khan too declined to speak, insisting that he shall defend his client in court. Unlike Monday when outriders led his convoy from the airport, this time, traffic was not cleared for the deputy president.
One of the drivers of the sleek cars told The Standard the vehicles did not belong to the Dutch government, but were on hire.
Journalist Joshua arap Sang was the last to arrive at the court with his lawyer Katwa Kigen.
But unlike Ruto, Sang spoke to the press. “I am okay. We shall win this case by God’s love, I am just an innocent journalist,” he observed.
MPs allied to the Jubilee coalition arrived at the court at about 8am and patiently waited for Ruto.
With journalists milling around them, the MPs attracted attention of motorists and passersby leaving them awestruck.
Security check
It was only Ruto, Sang and their defence teams that made their way into the court through the main entrance.
The other Kenyan delegation, including Ruto’s wife, the MPs and the envoy had to go through tough security check.
They then moved to the second floor at the public gallery to watch the proceedings. Inside the courtroom, Ruto remained calm as Bensouda recounted the chilling events of the 2008 post-poll mayhem that almost brought Kenya to its knees.
Looking pensive but relaxed, Ruto maintained his cool as he pleaded not guilty before the three-judge Bench.
At one time, he smiled as a court officer alleged that ‘there was a plot to rid the Rift Valley of PNU supporters with the ultimate goal of creating a uniform ODM voting block.
He would occasionally take a glance at his wife Rachel, who was seated with the Jubilee-allied MPs and Ms Muchiri at the public gallery section. At the end of the proceedings, Ruto’s wife walked directly into the waiting cars. Meanwhile, MPs led by National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale waved Kenyan flags as they sang the national anthem outside the court premises.
Delegation
Present at the ICC are about 22 MPs. Conspicuous are Moses ole Sakuda (Kajiado North), Jimmy Angwenyi (Kitutu Chache North), William Cheptumo (Baringo North), Samburu Women Representative Maison Leshomo and her Meru counterpart Florence Kajuju.
Others are Sabina Chege, Oscar Sudi, Kangata Irungu, Charles Nyamai, Alice Aganga and Farah Abdulaziz.
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