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ICC withdraws case against Kenyan President Kenyatta
Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have withdrawn their crimes against humanity charges against Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta.
Kenyatta faced charges for allegedly masterminding post-election violence in Kenya in 2007/2008.
“The evidence has not improved to such an extent that Mr Kenyatta’s alleged criminal responsibility can be proven,” prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said in a court filing.
ICC prosecutors said there was insufficient evidence to take him to trial, but said they could bring new charges if they found sufficient evidence.
The announcement comes two days after judges at the Hague-based court gave prosecutors one week to strengthen or drop the charges against Kenyatta.
The cases against Kenyatta and his deputy, William Ruto, who faced similar charges, are the highest-profile proceedings since the court was set up 11 years ago to try cases concerning grave international crimes that local courts cannot handle.
Kenyatta is the only actively serving world leader to face the ICC.
Kenyatta feels ‘vindicated’
President Kenyatta said he was “vindicated” after the ICC’s chief prosecutor dropped the case against him alleging crimes against humanity.
“I am very keen to run to my wife right now and tell her what is happening,” Kenyatta said in a message posted on Twitter, using the hashtag “vindicated”.
He vowed to fight on until two remaining cases at the ICC against Kenyans, including one against his deputy William Ruto, were dropped.
Source: AFP/Reuters