ICC concludes hearing of Gicheru's case as witness claims life in danger

The International Criminal Court has concluded its hearing of the case against Kenyan lawyer Paul Gicheru.

“The last witness (P-0739) called by the Prosecution has finished testifying today. The trial has been adjourned.”

ICC said scheduling information will be provided in due course.

During the proceedings on Thursday evening, the last witness said his life was in danger due to the testimony he gave earlier.

“I want direction about my situation because it came to my knowledge as from yesterday while testifying that my security is threatened based on what I have said,” the witness said.

He had testified that Gicheru paid him Sh2 million to withdraw as a witness in Deputy President William Ruto’s crimes against humanity case. The case was vacated.

The Witness explained that a person who linked him to the lawyer kept begging for the share of the money.

“His friend had a role in the money I had been given. He would ask for the money to fuel and kept on begging from me,” the witness said.

The witness, P-0739, sought assurances from the court of his safety. He also asked the court to assure him that the support he has been receiving will not be cut since he had finished testifying.

“The last time I testified (in the Ruto-Sang case) and later the amount (I was receiving from court) was reduced by almost a quarter. This is my worry,” he added.

Gicheru is facing offences against the administration of justice, consisting in corruptly influencing witnesses regarding cases from the situation in Kenya.

Gicheru has pleaded not guilty before presiding judge Miatta Maria Samba.

The first appearance of Gicheru before the Court took place on November 6, 2020.

The decision on the confirmation of the charges only serves to determine whether the Prosecutor's case should proceed to trial.

It does not establish the guilt of the accused person, who is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt by a Trial Chamber of the Court.