International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Karim Khan has landed in Kenya where he is set to receive an honorary Doctor of Law degree during Mount Kenya University's 23rd graduation ceremony.
The 50-year-old lawyer who represented President Ruto in the International Criminal Court was welcomed by the Mount Kenya University founder, Dr Simon Gicharu on Friday, August 2.
“Mount Kenya University has nominated Karim A. A Khan for the conferment of honorary Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) during the 23rd graduation ceremony in recognition of his broad contribution to the rule of law and international justice,” MKU noted.
In a statement seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the conferment is in recognition of the following: being a seasoned International Criminal Law and Human Rights Lawyer, serving in the fight against terrorism and his far-reaching research in the field of law.
Khan was elected as the new ICC prosecutor for a nine-year term starting on June 16, 2021 and is remembered for representing the current president William Ruto in the ICC when he was charged with crimes against humanity together with former Head of Public Service, Francis Muthaura. President Ruto was later acquitted of the charges in 2015.
Mount Kenya University has praised the prosecutor for his commitment in the law profession and diligent commitment in the fight against terrorism across the globe.
Khan does not hold a doctorate, but had enrolled for a doctorate degree in Wolsfon College, Oxford University but did not complete the course.
6,108 students have been conferred with various Diploma, Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate degrees in the MKU graduation ceremony that took place at Happy Valley Graduation Grounds in Thika.
MKU Vice chancellor, Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi, in his speech congratulated all graduates and called upon them to ensure they do not lose hope when they fail to secure jobs immediately. He urged them to keep pushing even when people close doors on them, in order to emerge victorious in the job market.
Who is Karim Khan
Khan is the current ICC prosecutor, having secured a Law degree with Honors from King's College.
He is a seasoned International Criminal Law and Human Rights Lawyer, a Barrister of more than 30 years, and has been part of the King's Counsel since 2011.
He has been at the forefront of many international criminal cases for the prosecution, defence and victims.
He has also handled complex international cases in Asia, Europe and North, East, Central and West Africa. Moreover Khan served as a part-time judge of the Crown Court of England & Wales.
Apart from being the President of the International Criminal Court Bar Association (ICCBA) from June 2017 - June 2018, Karim was also the first Honorary President of the ICCBA.
