ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan Bows to Azimio Pressure

The International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan has recused himself from Kenyan cases in the Hague after widespread criticism from the opposition.

An official communication on Monday, August 7 from the Office of Prosecutor (OTP) at the ICC confirmed that Khan has withdrawn from all Kenyan cases that have been presented to the Hague.

“Please note that pursuant to Article 42.7 of the Rome Statute, Mr. Karim A. A. Khan KC in his capacity as prosecutor of the ICC has recused himself from all Kenyan cases before the ICC,” the Prosecutor’s office told Nation.

Furthermore, the OTP confirmed that Khan was in Kenya on a private visit.

“The Prosecutor was in Kenya in a private visit to receive an honorary degree,” the Prosecutor office clarified.

Also Read: Karua Questions ICC Credibility After Prosecutor Khan’s Visit to Kenya

Khan who was President William Ruto’s Lawyer at the Hague through his office went ahead to cite conflict of interest as a reason for recusing, after Azimio member had cited the same.

“Mr. Khan has instituted practical measures to protect against any conflict of interest that may be perceived to arise from his former representation of ICC suspects of accused suspects.”

The Office of the Prosecutor also confirmed receipt of cases from Azimio la Umoja Coalition during the anti-government protests.

Also Read: ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan Honoured in Kenya

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Azimio Camp Questions ICC Credibility

This has come after Azimio camp leader Narc Kenya Party Leader Martha Karua questioned International Criminal Court’s (ICC) credibility after Prosecutor Karim Khan, Ruto’s former lawyer visited the country.

On August 6, Karua questioned what ICC prosecutor’s visit to Kenya may mean after both Azimio and Kenya Kwanza regime wrote to ICC over mass killings during anti-government protests.

“ICC prosecutor Karim Khan hosting in Kenya this weekend by Mt Kenya University and its founder a friend of his former client President Wiiliam Ruto at a time both the Azimio and Kenya Kwanza regime have written to ICC on the situation in the country, especially the killing spree of unarmed protesters by police is not only suspect but also a blot of credibility of ICC,” Karau’s statement read. 

Karim Khan receives an award from MKU

Mount Kenya University on Friday, August 4 awarded the International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan with an Honorary Doctor of Laws.

According to the university, the award was in recognition of the lawyer’s significant contribution in fighting for justice and his service to humanity.

“Mount Kenya University has nominated Karim A. A Khan for the conferment of honorary Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) during the 23rd graduation ceremony on Friday, August 4, in recognition of his broad contribution to the rule of law and international justice,” the notice partly read.