Kenya has formally requested the United Nations Security Council to defer the two Kenyan cases before the International Criminal Court.
The letter seeking the deferral of the two cases was handed over to the Security Council by Kenya’s Permanent representative to the UN Prof Macharia Kamau.
The letter is backed by the African Union which has recommended the deferral of the two cases until the terms of office of President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto ends.
The African Union wants the cases deferred on the grounds of security situation as well as the delicate process of healing and reconciliation in Kenya.
The letter also quoted the recent Westgate terror attack in Nairobi saying it was testimony that Kenya plays an important role in the war on terror and hence the need for deferral.
The letter was submitted by Kamau to the UN Security Council’s President Agshin Mehdiyev.
The letter tagged urgent seeks to have a determination of the request before the 10th November before President Uhuru Kenyatta’s trial begins on the 12th of the same month.
Deputy President William Ruto and journalist Joshua arap Sang’s trial is currently ongoing at The Hague.
Ruto will on Friday this week know whether he will be allowed to skip some sessions when the ICC Appeals Court gives its ruling.
Ruto has said there is no need for deferral if the court grants him permission to skip some of the sessions.
By Daniel Korir-citizennews
