Bensouda has requested the court that the five witnesses be allowed to testify in closed session during the entirety of their testimony/FILE
During the session, Trial Chamber V (a) judges will give direction on the appearance of five witnesses who ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda says have ‘insider information’ of key meetings held to plan attacks in the Rift Valley during the 2008 Post Election Violence.
Bensouda has requested the court that the five witnesses be allowed to testify in closed session during the entirety of their testimony.
One of the five witnesses includes Witness P0028. Presiding Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji ordered Ruto’s physical presence during the entire testimony of the witness.
According to the prosecution, the judges and the defence, witness P0028 testimony will require about a month to present his evidence and is likely to take the stand after the Easter break.
The prosecution described P0028 as a Kalenjin who has key information about the planning meetings, Ruto’s role and other associates involved in orchestrating violence in the Rift Valley.
The prosecution has alleged that Ruto funded, hosted meetings and gave orders using a network that was formed as early as 2006 to attack non-Kalenjin communities living in the Rift Valley.
The defence lawyers of Ruto and Sang have so far accused the prosecution of bribing and coaching witnesses whom they accuse of making up lies to fix their clients.
So far, 13 witnesses have testified and the 14th witness is expected to take the stand next week when the trial resumes.
About The Author
