Kenya: Ruto reacts after ICC terminates case

Kenya’s Deputy President, William Ruto on Friday said that the international Criminal Court’s (ICC) case against him and broadcaster, Joshua Sang was dismissed because they were innocent, Reuters reports.

ICC trial judges on Tuesday terminated the “crimes against humanity” charges brought against the two over post-election violence in Kenya.

He said he had not been involved in any purchase of weapons and planning of the bloodshed in the Kenya disputed election back in December 2007.

“The allegations that were made against me were criminal acts of evil minds that schemed, connived, colluded and fabricated a case against us,” he said.

To those who conspired to fabricate a false narrative& coach witnesses, it's my prayer that God will help them come to terms with their acts

— William Samoei Ruto (@WilliamsRuto) April 8, 2016

The political violence in the country killed an estimated 1,200 people.

Ruto was seen with Sang and other Kenyan leaders in his Karen office hugging and shaking hands with those present after the ruling was delivered.

Thank you all, God bless you and God Bless Kenya. pic.twitter.com/f48nDNREjO

— William Samoei Ruto (@WilliamsRuto) April 8, 2016

President Uhuru Kenyatta and other leaders in the country had congratulated Ruto and Sang and announced a thanksgiving rally to be held at the Araha Stadium in Nakuru on April 16.

Ruto who is expected to run again in elections next year and possibly stand for the top job in 2022, rejected a statement by the ICC that the case unraveled because of political and witness interference.

ICC judges dismissed the charges of crimes against humanity leveled against both arguing that the prosecution had failed to present sufficient evidence to convict the suspects.