Ocampo Six line up top lawyers for Hague trials
The post-election violence suspects have assembled high profile foreign defence lawyers to argue their cases at The Hague.
The list features Kenyan lawyers who have taken part in proceedings in international criminal tribunals and special UN courts.
They have also employed the services of Kenyan lawyers on the ICC roll of counsel.
On the opposite side, civil society groups and human rights lawyers are preparing teams that will represent the victims.
Some of the foreign lawyers have acted for prominent suspects, including former presidents Slobodan Milosevic (Yugoslavia), Charles Taylor (Liberia) and Mr Jean-Pierra Bemba, a former DRC vice-president.
Genocide charges
Others represented high-profile Rwandans facing genocide charges before the Arusha-based International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR).
Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta has contacted British lawyers Steven Kay and Gilian Kay Higgins who defended Milosevic.
They are expected to team up with local lawyers accredited by the International Criminal Court.
Head of Public Service Francis Muthaura has also sought the services British lawyer Karim Ahmad Khan, who in 1996 led Mr Taylor’s defence.
Defence counsel
Inquiries by the Nation indicate that Mr Khan will team with Mr Ken Ogeto, a former defence counsel at the Rwanda tribunal.
Eldoret North MP William Ruto is being defended by Dr Kindiki Kithure and Mr Katwa Kigen, who is also representing journalist Joshua arap Sang.
Nairobi lawyer Julius Kemboi is said to be coordinating Mr Henry Kosgey’s defence.
In his unsuccessful application to the ICC seeking participation in the proceedings, Maj-Gen Hussein Ali had enlisted the services of Canadian lawyer John Philpot. The court documents had his name.
Mr Philpot will team up with Mr Gershom Otachi and Mr Evans Monari.
Kenyan lawyers cleared to handle ICC cases include Mr Philip Murgor, Mr Mbuthi Gathenji, Mr Ken Ogeto, Ms Mary Wambui Njogu, Mr Athur Igeria, Ms Chana Sureta and Prof Githu Muigai.
Mr Gathenji is among the lawyers expected to represent the post-election violence victims should the cases against the six suspects go to the trial stage. Others are Mr Karanja Kabage, and Mr Igeria.
