Kuria now agrees to be Ruto, Sang's defence witness

Moses Kuria

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria has now agreed to appear before the International Criminal Court (ICC) as a defence witness in the case against Deputy President William Ruto and journalist Joshua Sang.

In separate correspondences seen by The Standard between Mr Kuria and the defence teams of Ruto and Sang, the legislator has agreed to appear before the trial court as a defence witness.

The controversial MP has lately been in public claiming that The Hague-based court, with the help of local politicians, procured witnesses to fix Ruto and Sang.

According to the correspondence, Sang's lead counsel Kigen Katwa, was the first to approach Kuria through an email dated October 2, when he asked to meet Kuria and also suggested that he take to the stand in defence of his client, the deputy president.

Public statements

"I have noted the recent public statements where you indicated that you have some information relating to the case now at the ICC against Mr J Sang and H.E. W Ruto.

"I am interested in meeting you to request for an interview and possibly your agreement to be a defence witness for Mr J Sang or both Mr J Sang and H.E. W Ruto," states the communication in part.

In his response, Kuria offers to meet Mr Kigen and his team on either October 12 and/or 13 at Parliament Buildings, Committee Room 9, at 2pm.

"Kindly advise details of your team members, including a passport size photo of each. Also indicate if any of your team members will be armed. The Speaker of the National Assembly and the Sergeant at Arms will need this information to facilitate access.

"Regarding your request for me to appear as a witness for the defence, I confirm hereby acceptance of the same. You may now feel free to list me as your witness. I have not received any other request to be a witness except from legal counsel of H.E William Ruto, which I also intend to accept," says Kuria in his response to Kigen's e-mail.

A similar email was written to Kuria yesterday by Shyamala Alegendra, a member of the Ruto defence team, which she says was sent on behalf lead counsel Karim Khan, indicating their interest to interview the legislator and possibly enlist him also as a witness.

"We would be grateful if you could let us know if you are willing to meet with me, on behalf of the Ruto defence team. I will be able to travel to Nairobi around October 26, if that would be convenient for you.

"I would intend to meet with you along with Grace Sullivan, from Ireland, who is a member of our team," states Ms Alegendra.

The Ruto team asked the legislator to treat their request confidentially, citing the 'significant public interest' that ICC proceedings generate in Kenya.

They indicated the urgency with which they expected a response from Kuria, requesting that he responded at his 'earliest convenience'.