ICC to rule Friday on Ruto's trial attendance

PHOTO | BILLY MUTAI Deputy President William Ruto with his co-accused, Mr Joshua arap Sang and MPs and Senators before the start of proceedings at the ICC on October 21, 2013.

The International Criminal Court will rule on Friday on the appeal case whether to allow Deputy President William Ruto to skip sessions during his trial.

The ICC trial chamber had on June 18 granted Mr Ruto's request to be excused from being physically present at the court except during key sessions.

However, the ICC Prosecutor appealed the decision, and consequently the court asked Mr Ruto to be present in all sessions pending the resolution on the appeal.

According to statement by the ICC, the Friday judgment by the Appeals Chamber will be delivered in open court and will be webstreamed live on the court's website.

Last week, the ICC excused President Uhuru Kenyatta from continuously attending his trial proceedings, except during opening and closing sessions and when victims testify in person.

Both Mr Ruto and President Kenyatta face crimes against humanity charges at The Hague-based court linked to the 2007-2008 post-election violence in Kenya.

Ruto's trial has been ongoing since September 10, while President Kenyatta's trial is expected to begin from November 12.