I will lodge appeal, vows Ruto

PHOTO/FILE

Eldoret North MP Wiliam Ruto (centre) flanked by his wife Rachael Ruto (left), his lawyer Kioko Kilukumi and Radio presenter Joshua Sang watch the Hague proceedings at Ruto's home in Karen.

Eldoret North MP William Ruto on Monday said he would appeal against the confirmation of charges against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Mr Ruto said the ruling would not stop his presidential bid and said it was a matter of time before the truth is known about allegations levelled against him at the court.

“I have been a stranger to the allegations against me. While the decision has been made, we will expeditiously move to analyse the different interventions that we will take as a team together with my lawyers and see what we will do next,” said Mr Ruto.

“I will be cleared with time, because time brings things to pass, it does not matter how long but the truth will prevail one time and the devil shall be put to shame,” he added.

Mr Ruto who was flanked by his wife Rachel and several MPs including two Cabinet ministers stated that he was still firmly in the race to succeed President Kibaki.

“To my competitors, lets meet at the ballot and Kenyans will decide for themselves,” said the MP and asked Kenyans to remain peaceful.

Mr Ruto, who recently launched the United Republican Party as his political vehicle for the next General Election said the most urgent priority now was building of a united nation.

The former Cabinet minister and Kass FM radio presenter Joshua arap Sang spent most of their morning with lawyers at Mr Ruto’s Karen residence where they followed the ICC ruling.

Mr Ruto thanked his family members for their love, prayer and support, his legal team for their undying commitment and to all his friends and supporters for the messages of hope.

Mr Sang said he was disappointed by the ICC judges’ ruling.

The radio presenter too said he would appeal the decision on the conformation of his charges.

“I do not agree with their (ICC judges) decision. I will sit with my legal team and work on how to appeal the decision. Meanwhile, I ask God to give me peace of mind and the composure at this moment,” said Mr Sang.