Nairobi News

Deputy President William Ruto has assured the victims of 2007/08 post-election violence that they will be “attended to.”

Speaking at his Karen home to thank all those who supported him during the ICC case, Mr Ruto said the victims have been resilient and as a leader he will ensure they are catered for.

“They have shown tremendous courage and patience as the process of resettlement went on for the last several years. As late as a month ago, the process was ongoing and I am confident that finally we will make sure that every victim will be attended to. It is demanded of me and it is demanded of all us collectively as the people of Kenya,” said Ruto.

Ruto who was making his speech in the company of his mother, wife and two of his children, thanked the clergy for supporting him with prayers.

He stated that his defence councils were key to the termination of charges admitting that they went way above what legal fees could be able to compensate them.

On Wednesday evening, ICC judges dismissed the charges of crimes against humanity against Ruto and former radio journalist Joshua Sang, arguing that the prosecution had failed to present sufficient evidence to convict the suspects.

DISMISSED EVIDENCE

Judges Chile Eboe-Osuji and Robert Fremr dismissed the evidence presented by ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and freed the two.

But Judge Olga Herrera Carbuccia disagreed, arguing that the prosecution’s evidence was sufficient to find the suspects with a case to answer.

Judge Herrera submitted that the prosecution case had not “broken down” to the extent of acquitting the suspects.

The news of dismissal was however received with joy by Mr Ruto who was at his Karen home with family and friends.

After the announcement, a smiling Ruto could be seen answering calls but did not address the media immediately.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and other leaders congratulated Mr Ruto and Mr Sang and announced that a thanksgiving rally will be held at the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru on April 16.