International Criminal Court prosecutor Fatou Bensouda has estimated that she will need at least two years to present evidence of crimes against humanity allegedly committed by Uhuru Kenyatta, William Ruto, Joshua arap Sang and Francis Muthaura, Kenya's Capital FM reported Thursday (January 10th).
The three politicians and radio presenter face charges of crimes against humanity and wilful incitement of violence in Kenya following the 2007 presidential election.
Bensouda's estimate allows for testimony from 74 fact witnesses and six experts, as well as cross-examination by the defence. "The estimate does not include time that the chamber may grant to the Office of Public Counsel for Victims or the common legal representative to question prosecution witnesses, or time that the chamber may use to question witnesses," she said.
Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto, currently presidential and vice-presidential candidates on a joint ticket, have denied that the trial will have any impact on their ability to govern. "What is wrong with that? A president can go to court and answer charges, and if they are not confirmed he will continue to do his job," Ruto said in October.
Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has warned Kenyans that electing leaders undergoing such a trial will have a negative impact on the country's international relations.
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