DP William Ruto ICC lawyer Karim Khan set to replace the outgoing Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda

 

Deputy President William Ruto’s ICC lead defence lawyer Karim Khan. FILE

Deputy President William Ruto’s ICC lead defence lawyer Karim Khan set to replace the outgoing Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda.

There has been a fresh twist that has attracted the fury of African civil society.

The race to succeed outgoing Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda has come down to two frontrunners; Karim Khan and Irish lawyer Fergal Gaynor, who represented the PEV victims.

The case collapsed against President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto.


Uhuru and Ruto not cleared, but the charges dismissed because witnesses withdrew, disappeared or others, murdered.

Gaynor had opposed the withdrawal of charges against Uhuru and Ruto and accused the two of using state power to hinder justice.


Kenya had refused the original Bensouda replacement shortlist which did not include Khan challenging the selection process citing being biased and doctored favouring one applicant.


According to Journalists for Justice, a not-for-profit foundation registered in The Hague, Khan continues to be the favourite to land the job. However, there is division among the 123 member states.


“The problem is that against every candidate, there are one or more possible objections. The race considers Khan to be too close to those in power in one of the ‘situation countries’ where the ICC investigates and prosecutes atrocity crimes,” Journalists for Justice reported.


Khan, a British lawyer, originated from Pakistan, had also represented the former head of Civil Service Francis Muthaura before the ICC.