AG appeals against Bashir ruling

Attorney General Githu Muigai has filed a notice of appeal against a High Court ruling that directed his office and the Internal Security Ministry to arrest Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir if he ever sets foot in Kenya.

Prof Muigai is seeking the Court of Appeal’s intervention to overturn the ruling by Mr Justice Nicholas Ombija that has threatened diplomatic ties between Kenya and Sudan. (READ: Kenya in diplomatic row)

Face charges

According to a statement from the State Law office, the AG will challenge the ruling purely on matters relating to law.

The notice of appeal will await the constitution of a bench of at least three judges of the Appeal Court to determine the AG’s application.

Justice Ombija issued the warrant of arrest against President al-Bashir last week, to face crimes against humanity charges before the International Criminal Court following an application by the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ).

Mr al-Bashir responded to the court ruling by giving the Executive in Kenya two weeks to have the ruling overturned or he would impose sanctions on Nairobi.