North Rift anxious one day to ICC ruling on Ruto, Sang case

Anxiety has gripped North Rift as the country awaits the International Criminal Court’s ruling on a no-case-to-answer application.

Clerics, residents and political leaders in the region have high expectations that the verdict will be positive and Deputy President William Ruto and co-accused Joshua Sang will be vindicated.

They, however, called on Kenyans to be calm and remain united whichever way the ruling goes.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen said: “We are waiting for the dropping of the case. The case will be dropped and this will allow the DP to focus more on service delivery with the President in fulfilling promises made to Kenyans within the remaining time.”

The legislator added that any other decision will mean that “it has been pre-determined and will hurt the relations with ICC, which the country has been honouring”.

Keiyo South MP Jackson Kiptanui also expressed optimism that the Judges will rule in Mr Ruto and Mr Sang’s favour and mark an end to the numerous journeys to The Hague.

“Evidence provided by the prosecutor’s witnesses has proved to be lies and we expect the court to end the Kenyan cases for us to believe there was no political hand in the cases. The court should remain impartial and autonomous for justice to prevail,” said Mr Kiptanui.

Maintain peace

He urged Kenyans to maintain peace, adding that they would re-examine Kenya’s relationship with the court once the ruling is delivered.

Aldai MP Cornelly Serem said: “We don’t want to pre-empt. We respect the court and we expect justice to prevail. Our wish is that this case comes to an end.”

Serem said Ruto and Sang are innocent.

Kiprotich Cherargei, a URP youth leader in Nandi, wished Ruto well, saying he is innocent and would ascend to the presidency.

“The writing is on the wall for rebels because the DP will have more support,” he said.

Church leaders expressed optimism that the International Criminal Court (ICC) will deliver a no case to answer verdict.

Christopher Ruto of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Eldoret diocese said: “We are praying that this journey comes to an end”.

Bishop Ruto said he is praying that the ICC exploits all the evidence and ensures justice prevails. Bishop Cornelius Korir of the Eldoret Catholic Church diocese said: “We pray for calm and wait for the decision of the court.”

Bishop Patrice Chumba of the North Rift African Inland Church (AIC) council said people were anxious and expected a fair verdict based on the rule of law.

“We are waiting to celebrate the acquittal of the two Kenyans,” he said.