KENYA - Ruto's wife speaks out on case

Deputy President William Ruto (C) holding hands in prayer with wife Rachel (L) and journalist Joshua Sang. Mrs Ruto said that when ICC prosecutor Louis Moreno-Ocampo said that her husband was one of the key perpetrators of the 2007/2008 post-election violence in Kenya, the allegation came as a blow to their immediate family. PHOTO | BILLY MUTAI  NATION


By Walter Menya

Deputy President William Ruto spent his first Mashujaa Day since he was elected into office away from the country yesterday as he awaited the resumption of his case at the International Criminal Court this morning.

Under normal circumstances, Mr Ruto would have been at the Nyayo Stadium for the national celebrations and would have introduced President Uhuru Kenyatta to give his address to the nation.

However, that job was yesterday left to Dr Hassan Wario, the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture and Arts.

Mr Ruto and his wife Rachael joined other Kenyans in celebrations marked in Palais des Colonies, Paleizenlaan Tervuren, Brussels. The event brought together Kenyans from various European countries.

Mrs Ruto said that when ICC prosecutor Louis Moreno-Ocampo said that her husband was one of the key perpetrators of the 2007/2008 post-election violence in Kenya, the allegation came as a blow to their immediate family.

“When this came it was very difficult for our family and we even had difficulty telling our children, some of whom are grown-ups,” she told the gathering.

Since Mr Ruto’s case started in The Hague on September 10, his wife and daughter June have always been by his side.

And Sunday, Mrs Ruto said the charges against Mr Ruto came as a shock to the family.

“We have walked a path and a journey that is difficult but as a family and country we believe in God,” she said.

“It is God who has brought our steps here this afternoon.”

The sermon was delivered by Bishop Kiogora Magambo of Jesus House of God International.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Ruto’s co-accused, radio journalist Joshua arap Sang, said his experiences had been painful since the trial began.

“We know this weight on our shoulders shall be lifted.

Pray for us because that has kept us going,” said the man who described himself as “the shortest journalist in Kenya, if not the world.

The defence team will this morning continue cross-examining the fourth prosecution witness.