ICC Speaks Out on Reviving DP Ruto's Case

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has spoken out after Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto alleged that there was a scheme by his rivals to reopen his case at the Hague-based court.

Speaking during an interview with NTV on Thursday, DP Ruto claimed that he was aware of a plot to revive the case in a bid to block his 2022 presidential bid.

"There are characters that have already sent people to Kenya to resuscitate the ICC cases against me. They did not succeed in the former presidents' Daniel Moi case and Mwai Kibaki scenarios as during those eras, such cases were prominent. They will not succeed in this particular scenario. In fact, their failure will be spectacular," Ruto said.

Responding to an inquiry by Sunday Nation about DP Ruto’s claims, the Office of the ICC Prosecutor declined to confirm whether there was a plan to revive the case, but stated that the court left the case open subject to the discovery of fresh evidence that could warrant fresh prosecution.

"The office of the prosecutor cannot comment on speculations. As you are aware, on April 5, 2016, Trial Chamber V (A) vacated the charges against William Samoei Ruto and Joshua Arap Sang, without prejudice to the prosecution bringing a new case in the future, or in a different form, in light of new evidence," the statement read.

"As a general matter, in accordance with Article 15 of the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the ICC, any individual or group from anywhere in the world may send information on the alleged crime to the ICC prosecutor who is duly-bound to protect the confidentiality of the information received.

"The office analyzes any such materials submitted, as appropriate, in accordance with the Rome Statute and with full independence and impartiality."