Gicheru Strikes Deal With ICC Over Ruto Witnesses Case

Lawyer Paul Gicheru speaking during an Export Processing Zones Authority forum
Lawyer Paul Gicheru speaking during an Export Processing Zones Authority forum
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Kenyan lawyer Paul Gicheru has been freed after striking a cooperation deal with the ICC following his voluntary surrender in 2020. 

According to the documents from The Hague-based court, Gicheru, who was accused of interfering with witnesses in Deputy President William Ruto and Joshua Arap Sang’s cases, is now free to return to Kenya. 

The International Criminal Court however issued conditions for the lawyer’s release.

ICC headquarters at the Hague, Netherlands
ICC headquarters at the Hague, Netherlands

Gicheru will be required to deposit Ksh1 million to the ICC Registrar in the form of cash or bank order. 

He will also have to comply fully with all orders issued in this case and surrender himself immediately to the relevant authorities if required by the trial chamber. 

He was also warned against hampering or jeopardizing the prosecution or legal proceedings and not to participate, expressly or indirectly, in any conduct which is forbidden by Article 70 of the Statute.

Gicheru will not be allowed to change his residential location from what he provided to the court. 

He submitted copies of his passports, visas, identity documents, and any other travel documents to the ICC.

Another of the travel conditions is that Gicheru will only be allowed to visit two countries abroad; the Netherlands and a second country that was redacted. 

Travel to the two countries will have to be cleared by the ICC seven days in advance after disclosing the details of the trip, where he will reside and contact address.

In order to travel to a country, not on the approved list, the decision requires Gicheru to give the court a 14-day notice. 

Such a request, the decision states, can only be granted if there is a good cause shown.

He will also be required to report once a week to the ICC Registrar, including through the use of video conferencing technology.

Export Processing Zones Authority Chair Paul Gicheru (centre) with colleagues
Export Processing Zones Authority Chair Paul Gicheru (centre) with colleagues
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