Zimpapers Logo

President Kenyatta

THE HAGUE. — Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta need not attend all of his trial on charges of crimes against humanity, the International Criminal Court has said.He is only required to be present at certain key parts of the case, a majority of judges ruled.

Kenyatta has argued that attending the trial in The Hague would prevent him from governing the country. Both Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto deny charges of organising violence after the 2007 election.

Last week, the African Union urged the UN Security Council to delay Kenyatta’s trial, due to start in November. An estimated 1 200 people were killed in the ethnic bloodshed which swept the country.

Around 600 000 fled their homes. Ruto’s trial began in September.  He too was granted an exemption from attending parts of his trial, but the prosecution lodged an appeal against that decision, which is currently suspended.

Both men say they will co-operate with the court. — bbc.co.uk.