A video that has gone viral online alleging that lawyer Paul Gicheru allegedly pleaded guilty to charges levelled against him at the International Criminal Court is false and misleading.
The video claimed that Gicheru admitted to tampering with witnesses, contrary to his plea.
The lawyer pleaded not guilty during the hearing conducted on Tuesday, February 15, before Judge Miatta Maria Samba.
A fact check done by Kenyans.co.ke has established that the video was manipulated and does not represent the proceedings at the ICC
The video was edited, and the part where Gicheru stated the word 'not' was expunged.
From the court proceedings, Gicheru pleaded not guilty to an alleged role in compromising witnesses that were to testify against Deputy President William Ruto.
Transcription of the original audio reads as stated below:
Judge Samba: Do you understand the nature of the charges read out to you today?
Lawyer Gicheru: Yes, I do madam president.
Judge Samba: Do you make admission of guilt to any of the charges?
Lawyer Gicheru: Not at all. Madam President, for the record I plead not guilty.
Judge Samba: In respect of all the charges?
Lawyer Gicheru: Yes.
Judge Samba: Thank you very much. You may be seated.
The lawyer was accused of influencing at least four witnesses to recant their testaments on DP Ruto and journalist Joshua Arap Sang, who faced various charges over the 2007/08 Post Election Violence (PEV).
Following court prosecutor Karim Khan recusal from the case, Deputy Prosecutor James Stewart took to the floor to make opening remarks together with a senior trial lawyer Anton Steynberg and trial lawyer Alice Zago.
The first prosecution witness also started testifying regarding the case but the defense did not present any statements on the proceedings.
In April 2016, the case against Ruto and the journalist was vacated, however, Gicheru surrendered on November 2, 2020.
"The Court, through the Registry services, submitted a cooperation request to the Dutch authorities for the arrest and surrender of Gicheru to the Court upon completion of the necessary national arrest proceedings," ICC wrote after he surrendered.
