DP William Ruto denies link to 2005 chaos

Deputy President William Ruto sought to defend himself against accusations that he instigated violence in the Rift Valley during the 2005 constitution referendum.

Ruto's lawyer Shyamala Alagendra said the DP was not named as one of those who should be investigated and prosecuted for instigating violence during the referendum campaigns.

Ms Alagendra said Ruro's name was not in a list of politicians named by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

The KNHCR prepared a report after monitoring the November 2005 referendum that pitted the banana camp of those supporting the constitution and the orange camp for those opposed to the draft.

The report was released in 2006 in which the commission proposed that listed politicians should be investigated and prosecuted.

Ruto has denied claims by a prosecution witness at the International Criminal Court (ICC) that he fuelled animosity between the Kikuyu and the Kalenjin during the referendum campaigns.

Ruto is charged together with Kass FM radio broadcaster Joshua arap Sang for crimes against humanity said to have been committed during the 2007 post-election violence where more than 1,200 people were killed.

The prosecution claims the plan to have Kikuyus evicted from the Rift Valley was mooted during the 2005 referendum.

But in the KNHCR report, Ruto's name was missing in a list of politicians proposed for investigations and prosecution. He was then the Eldoret North MP.

Mr Ruto was, however, mentioned in the report as having used insensitive language against women.

Hearing continues.