ICC Prosecutor opens proprio motu investigation: March 2010
Current focus: Alleged crimes against humanity committed in the context of post-election violence in Kenya in 2007/2008.
Current regional focus: Six of the eight Kenyan Provinces: Nairobi, North Rift Valley, Central Rift Valley, South Rift Valley, Nyanza Province and Western Province
Pre-Trial Chamber II
Judge Rosario Salvatore Aitala (Presiding Judge)Judge Antoine Kesia-Mbe Mindua
Judge Tomoko Akane
DOCUMENTS
Jurisdiction in the general situation
Kenya ratified the Rome Statute on 15 March 2005. The ICC therefore may exercise its jurisdiction over crimes listed in the Rome Statute committed on the territory of Kenya or by its nationals from 1 June 2005 onwards. On 31 March 2010, Pre-Trial Chamber II granted the Prosecutor's request to open an investigation proprio motu in the situation in Kenya, in relation to crimes against humanity within the jurisdiction of the Court committed between 1 June 2005 and 26 November 2009.
Context and alleged crimes
ICC investigations have focused on alleged crimes against humanity committed in the context of post-election violence in Kenya in 2007/2008, in six of the eight Kenyan Provinces: Nairobi, North Rift Valley, Central Rift Valley, South Rift Valley, Nyanza Province and Western Province.
In granting the Prosecutor's request to open an investigation, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber noted the gravity and scale of the violence. The Prosecutor contended that over 1,000 people were killed, there were over 900 acts of documented rape and sexual violence, approximately 350,000 people were displaced, and over 3,500 were seriously injured. The Chamber noted from the Prosecutor's submission "…elements of brutality, for example burning victims alive, attacking places sheltering IDPs, beheadings, and using pangas and machetes to hack people to death", and that perpetrators, among other acts, allegedly "terrorized communities by installing checkpoints where they would select their victims based on ethnicity, and hack them to death, commonly committed gang rape, genital mutilation and forced circumcision, and often forced family members to watch."
The Pre-Trial Chamber also observed victims' representations concerning the individual impact of the violence on the victims: "Complaints of harm suffered concern the inability of victims' children to continue their education, poor living conditions and health concerns in IDP camps, psychological damage such as trauma, stress, and depression, loss of income due to loss of jobs or an inability to re-establish their business, the contraction of sexually transmitted diseases after rape, abandonment after rape, and the separation of families."
The investigation has produced two main cases, originally with six suspects, involving charges which include the following crimes:
- crimes against humanity: murder, deportation or forcible transfer of population, persecution, rape, and other inhumane acts
However charges were not confirmed or were withdrawn concerning these six suspects.
Proceedings in two cases involving charges against three suspects for offences against the administration of justice consisting in corruptly or attempting to corruptly influencing ICC witnesses.
This was the first situation in which the Prosecutor opened an investigation proprio motu, rather than by receiving a referral.
4
Cases
3
Warrants of arrest
2
At large
Cases
Charges vacated
On 5 April 2016, Trial Chamber V(A) decided, by majority that the case against William Samoei Ruto and Joshua Arap Sang is to be terminated. The parties have not appealed this decision. Case also involved Henry Kiprono Kosgey. Judges declined to confirm the charges against Mr Kosgey on 23 January 2012.
Charges withdrawn
The confirmation of charges hearing took place from 21 September to 5 October 2011. Charges withdrawn due to insufficient evidence. Case also involved charges against Francis Kirimi Muthaura and Mohammed Hussein Ali. Judges declined to confirm charges against Mohammed Hussein Ali on 23 January 2012.
Next steps: The case is considered closed unless and until the Prosecutor submits new evidence.
The arrest warrant was issued under seal against Mr Barasa on 2 August 2013 and unsealed on 2 October 2013.
Next steps: The case remains in the Pre-Trial stage, pending the suspect’s arrest or voluntary appearance before the Court. The ICC does not try individuals in their absence.
The warrant of arrest was issued under seal against Paul Gicheru and Philip Kipkoech Bett on 10 March 2015 and unsealed on 10 September 2015, for offences against the administration of justice consisting in corruptly influencing witnesses regarding cases from the situation in Kenya. On 11 December 2020, Pre-Trial Chamber A severed the cases against Paul Gicheru and Philip Kipkoech Bett. Philip Kipkoech Bett is not in ICC custody.
Next steps: Until Philip Kipkoech Bett is arrested and transferred to the seat of the Court in The Hague, the case will remain in the Pre-Trial stage. The ICC does not try individuals unless they are present in the courtroom.
The warrant of arrest was issued under seal against Paul Gicheru and Philip Kipkoech Bett on 10 March 2015 and unsealed on 10 September 2015 for offences against the administration of justice consisting in corruptly influencing witnesses regarding cases from the situation in Kenya. On 2 November 2020, Paul Gicheru surrendered to the authorities of The Netherlands pursuant to this arrest warrant for offences against the administration of justice consisting in corruptly influencing witnesses of the Court. On 3 November 2020, Paul Gicheru was surrendered to the ICC custody after the completion of the necessary national proceedings. The first appearance of Paul Gicheru before the Court took place on 6 November 2020. On 11 December 2020, Pre-Trial Chamber A severed the cases against Paul Gicheru and Philip Kipkoech Bett. On 1 February 2021, Paul Gicheru was released to Kenya with specific conditions restricting liberty, during the confirmation of charges proceedings.
On 15 July 2021, ICC Pre-Trial Chamber A confirmed the charges of offences against the administration of justice brought by the Prosecutor against Paul Gicheru and committed him to trial.
On 15 February 2022, the trial opened before Trial Chamber III. The accused plead not-guilty to the all charges. The prosecution then presented its opening statements and called its first witness. 8 witnesses have testified for the prosecution, the last one finished testifying on 24 March 2022. The Office of the Prosecutor completed its presentation of evidence on 29 March 2022. The Defence announced on 25 April 2022 that it will not present any evidence.
NEXT STEPS: The closing statements in this case are scheduled to take place on 27 June 2022.