US envoy ‘solicited’ witnesses for Hague

PHOTO | FILE Former US ambassador to Kenya Michael Ranneberger.

What you need to know:

  • Mr Ruto’s lawyer also accused an American humanitarian organisation, USAid, of recruiting witnesses to testify against the Deputy President in the trial for crimes allegedly committed during the 2007/8 violence. 
  • Mr Ranneberger was the US envoy in Kenya between 2006 and 2011. He was a key figure during the push for the cessation of the violence that erupted after the disputed 2007 presidential election, leaving 1,133 people dead.

Former US ambassador to Kenya Michael Ranneberger was on Monday alleged to have taken part in recruitment of witnesses to testify against Deputy President William Ruto in The Hague.

Mr Ruto’s lawyer also accused an American humanitarian organisation, USAid, of recruiting witnesses to testify against the Deputy President in the trial for crimes allegedly committed during the 2007/8 violence. 

Mr Karim Khan claimed that Mr Ranneberger tried to recruit people to give evidence against Mr Ruto.

Questioning prosecution witness 0356 in the crimes against humanity trial against Mr Ruto on Monday, Mr Khan sought to know whether the witness was aware of Mr Ranneberger’s alleged involvement. The witness answered in the negative.

Mr Ranneberger was the US envoy in Kenya between 2006 and 2011. He was a key figure during the push for the cessation of the violence that erupted after the disputed 2007 presidential election, leaving 1,133 people dead.

The defence said the witness received $6,891 (Sh592,600) in two days in August 2012 from the Office of the Prosecution.

The money was allegedly given to him through non-governmental organisations. The witness admitted he was paid $3,367 (about Sh286,000) on August 1, 2012 and $3,524 (about Sh299,000) the following day.

“Do you agree that you received more than Sh600,000 in two days when you were initially earning Sh100,000 per year?” asked Mr Khan.

The witness admitted he received the money but clarified that it was for upkeep and witness-related expenses.

The witness also accepted that in six months he was paid $20,000 (Sh1.2 million).