William Ruto’s ICC lawyer Karim Khan faults harassment claims on ODM members

Karim Khan, Willia Ruto's International Criminal Court lawyer.

By Judy Nguta

Nairobi, Kenya: Deputy President William Ruto’s International Criminal Court (ICC) lawyer Karim Khan has faulted claims by ODM Secretary General Anyang’ Nyong’o that he is harassing the party’s members.

In a press release, Nyong’o had purported that a man by the name Khan had been calling ODM members and tried to extort from them information regarding the ICC cases.

Nyong’o’s statement read: "I have received several complaints from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) members from across the country of being harassed by strange phone calls by a man called Khan seeking information on the International Criminal Court (ICC) cases. This is unacceptable and ODM members should refer this Mr.Khan to me as Secretary General of the Party. Prof. P. Anyang' Nyong'o".

Khan dismissed the claims and warned against any attempt to interefere with investigations.

“As a Queens Counsel and senior member of the English Bar, I am proud of the track record of all my team to uphold the highest standard of integrity and ethics. It is therefore preposterous to suggest that any member of my team or myself would ever harass any individual,” said Khan in a press statement.

Khan who wishes that all political actors respect the rule of law, discouraged against attempts by any political party or interest group to control who can speak to the defense or to the prosecution

“All individuals in Kenya should feel free to speak the truth whether to the prosecution or defense,” said Khan.

He said that the court has clear jurisdiction to deal with any attempts by any individual to intimidate witnesses or obstruct investigations.

“All actors and political parties should now step back and allow the court to do its job,” he said.

Trial opening is case against William Ruto and former radio presenter Joshua Sang is scheduled to begin on September 10.

ICC judges Tuesday released a work plan and procedures to be followed in the case in which they instructed Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda to reduce the time she intended to present her case against Mr Ruto and Mr Sang.