Accused have right to be protected from false testimony, William Ruto’s lawyer says

By GEOFFREY MOSOKU

Deputy President William Ruto’s lawyer Karim Khan Tuesday put up a spirited fight to have witnesses warned of dire consequences should they lie under oath.

Khan wanted the court to make it clear to the prosecution to ensure witnesses were informed that failure to tell the truth may result in imprisonment. “It is important that witnesses know the consequences of lying.”

Khan argued that the accused has a right to be protected from false testimony in the same way the witnesses’ dignity should be protected.

However, the court dismissed his arguments, saying they were meant to intimidate the witnesses who were already under oath and that the prosecution had prepared them before taking the witness box.

During yesterday’s session, the first witness, who is a survivor of the infamous Kiambaa church fire, took to the witness box, with her identify concealed for security reasons.