Key witnesses were bribed to recant evidence in DP Wiliam Ruto and Joshua arap Sang case, say judges

Witnesses in Deputy President William Ruto and journalist Joshua Sang's case were bribed to recant evidence, the ICC judges say.

While dropping charges against Mr Ruto and Mr Sang on crimes against humanity, the judges observed that the witnesses were corruptly influenced to recant their evidence, thus weakening the trail.

The Hague-based court noted some of the witnesses were even engaged in bribing others.

The court found witnesses were either intimidated or bought out to recant their evidence.

But judge Oboe Osuji, however, exonerated the two from blame, saying there was no evidence showing they had instructed anyone to engage in witness interference.

There were several such incidents where the prosecution complained that its witnesses were 'being bought' to drop their claims.

"Now, it must be made clear that there was no evidence to the effect that Ruto or Sang had instructed or encouraged anyone to engage in witness interference," the judge ruled.

He noted that interference cries started well before the trial started and involved publishing witnesses' names and giving money.

"Findings of improper direct interference were made in respect of at least four witnesses, including findings that some of these witnesses were themselves intermediaries engaged in the bribing and attempted bribing of others," he ruled.

He added: "... Immediately upon the commencement of the trial, with the very first witness, it became clear that there had been a concerted campaign to troll witnesses on the internet, by publishing their perceived identities. This was done by persons who had made clear their intention to frustrate the trial, by engaging in conduct aimed at intimidating the witnesses."

Already, three Kenyans risk five years in jail over alleged interference.

ICC issued sealed arrest warrants on journalist Walter Barasa, lawyer Paul Gacheru and Philip Bett on account that they actively participated in ensuring witnesses recanted their evidence.

Mr Barasa has been fighting his extradition since October 2, 2013.

Mr Gacheru and Mr Bett were arrested in July 10, 2015, after the ICC prosecutor asked for their arrest.