Muthaura lawyers vow to launch appeal

By CYRUS OMBATI

Head of Civil Service Francis Muthaura has pleaded innocence over the charges levelled against him at the ICC, declaring he would appeal the ruling.

Muthaura, accompanied by his lawyers Karim Khan, Kennedy Ogeto and Essa Faal, called a news briefing last night where he described the news of confirmation of his charges as disappointment to him.

"I repeat what I said on December 15, 2010, that I am presumed innocent until proven guilty," Muthaura reiterated on Monday.

"I unequivocally state that I am absolutely innocent of all the accusations that have been made against me," he added.

He also wished his co-accused Uhuru Kenyatta, William Ruto and Joshua Sang the best and asked them to face the days ahead of them with courage, patience and belief.

He welcomed the decision by the judges in relation to former commissioner of police Maj-Gen Hussein Ali and former minister Henry Kosgey.

Khan said he intends to lodge an appeal following the ruling and vowed to continue fighting for Muthaura even if the appeal is thrown out.

Fight to end

He said like a football match, it is half time and they intend to fight to the end.

"Those who believe in justice should wait for the truth will come out soon. It is all a concoction of lies and the verdict will come out soon that he is an innocent man," he said.

Khan said the ICC process on Kenya has polarised the country stressing a lot of rebuilding is taking place at the same time, which should be left to continue.

He insisted it was upon the prosecution to prove their case and promised a battle in the days to come.

Muthaura did not answer questions from journalists at the briefing that was held at the Office of the President.

A number of permanent secretaries were seen at the office during the conference.

They went into a meeting with Muthaura after the briefing ended.