Third ICC witness’ identity might not be concealed

By FELIX OLICK

The third prosecution witness against Deputy President William Ruto, a woman believed to have suffered in the 2008 post-election violence, is likely to take the stand today at the ICC.

The trial of Ruto and his co-accused, journalist Joshua arap Sang, resumes after the weekend break that saw the Deputy President fly back to Nairobi to allow President Uhuru Kenyatta travel to Ethiopia for an African Union meeting. Kenyans may have an opportunity to see the third prosecution witness, as initial indications are that her identity is not hidden and she may testify in full view of the public.

Closed sessions

“She will testify in public unless the Trial Chamber acting on the recommendations of the Victims and Witnesses Unit and the prosecution decide to enforce additional protective measures,” said a source.

The first two witnesses had their faces and voices distorted to conceal their identities. They were also referred to by pseudonyms.

The testimonies of the first two witnesses were also characterised by many closed sessions to bar the public from unmasking their identity.

On Friday, Prosecution Counsel Ade Omofade unveiled a new witness list, ending a tussle with the defence that threatened to cripple the proceedings before November 1.

The three witnesses are 487, 268 and 535. However, witness 326, who testified for the whole of last week, is expected back briefly in court tomorrow for re-examination by the prosecution.

The second witness last week had a difficult time with Ruto’s lead lawyer Karim Khan, who dismissed his testimony as “a tissue of lies”.

Khan dismissed the witness as an extortionist only in the process for financial gain.

“You deceived and conned your way to The Hague. Is that right Mr Witness?” Khan asked.