Ruto, Kosgey paid attackers Sh50,000

The second day of confirmation hearings at International Criminal Court  kicked off as scheduled with the prosecution giving evidence against the suspects.

The Office of the Prosecution told of how Eldoret MP William Ruto and Tinderet MP Henry Kosgey funded youths to attack and evict the Kikuyus from Rift Valley.

The prosecution said Ruto as a powerful Kalenjin leader headed a multifaceted network that also financed by a local business man.

The prosecution said evidence by witnesses revealed that youths who attending meeting by convened by the suspects were each paid Sh 4000. The funds Tia said funds were used to compensate people for attending meetings, purchase weapons.

She said Ruto elders enlisted the support of elders to carry out the attacks. According to the witnesses there were three generals s who in charge of three different in Rift Valley.

Prosecution says ex military generals Koech was commander North Rift, Cheruiyot South Rift and GSU’s Cherambos Central Rift. The three were in touch with Ruto who used KASS FM and radio presenter Joshua Sang to issue orders and instructions.

They worked with direct perpetrators and other subordinates responsible for the attacks. They in early December moved identifying Kikuyu homes for the attacks and also burnt their homes and property .

The generals were appointed in a meeting held on 13^th December .  Ruto is said to have supported them by giving logistical support. 

To motivate the perpetrators who carried systematic attacks, the two MPs promised them  immunity assuring them they will be in power and nothing will be done to them.  The attackers were each promised Sh50,000 and land for every Kikuyu killed.

The Prosecution also addressed systematic PEV attacks against civilian population displaced in the Rift Valley.

The Prosecution will address in detail the eight meetings that the Network used to execute the plans. 

The OTP concluded that the above factors show that the three were responsible for the the post election violence and the alleged crimes of murder.

Hearings continues……