ICC Prosecutor Khan Steps Back from Kenyan Cases Amidst Azimio Onslaught
The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, who is amidst a dispute involving President William Ruto’s “Kenya Kwanza” and opposition leader Raila Odinga’s “Azimio la Umoja One Kenya” coalition, has chosen to step aside from all cases related to Kenya at the Hague-based court. This decision aims to prevent any potential conflicts of interest, as confirmed by his office.
In a statement sent to the Nation newspaper, in response to claims from Mr. Odinga’s group that Mr. Khan’s recent trip to Kenya might impact their case at the international court in The Hague, the Public Information Unit of the OTP explained that the individual visited the country in a personal capacity.
“The Prosecutor was in Kenya in a private capacity to receive an honorary degree. Please note that under Article 42.7 of the Rome Statute, Mr Karim A.A. Khan KC in his capacity as the Prosecutor of the ICC has recused himself from all Kenya cases before the ICC,” read the communication.
Mr. Khan’s office further stated that he has since “instituted practical measures to protect against any conflict of interest that may be perceived to arise from his former representation of ICC suspects or accused persons.”
“The Office of the Prosecutor therefore does not comment on such communications, beyond confirming receipt of such communication if the sender has made that fact public. In this instance, we can confirm that we have received a communication as the sender has made that fact public,” it stated.
Just a day after Azimio criticized Mr. Khan in response to his visit to the nation while it builds its argument about police using force against demonstrators, the declaration was made.
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Azimio deputy principal Martha Karua termed Mr. Khan’s visit as “not only suspect but also a blot on the credibility of ICC.”
“ICC prosecutor Karim Khan hosted in Kenya this weekend by Mt Kenya University and its founder a friend of his former client William Ruto at a time both the Azimio and Kenya Kwanza regime have written to ICC on the situation in the country, especially the killing spree of unarmed protestors by police is not only suspect but also a blot on the credibility of ICC,” said Ms Karua.
Mr. Khan, recognized in Kenya for his involvement in representing President William Ruto at the ICC regarding allegations of committing serious crimes, was granted an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by Mount Kenya University (MKU) on Friday, August 4. This recognition was bestowed upon him for his significant efforts in advancing justice and humanitarian causes.
Mr. Khan served as the primary attorney who provided legal representation for former Deputy President (currently the Head of State), Ruto, and former radio journalist Joshua Sang’. This was during their trial for charges related to crimes against humanity stemming from the controversial post-election violence of 2007.
The court rejected the duo’s lawsuit in 2016. In February 2021, Mr. Khan assumed the position of ICC prosecutor after Gambian Fatou Bensouda’s term came to an end.
ICC Prosecutor Khan Steps Back from Kenyan Cases Amidst Azimio Onslaught
