ICC postpones Kenyatta war crimes trial

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has postponed the Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta’s war crimes trial in connection with deadly post-election violence in 2007-08.

“Today, the Trial Chamber… set a new date for the commencement of the trial of Mr Uhuru Kenyatta. The trial is now scheduled to commence on November 12,” the Hague-based ICC said in a statement on Thursday.

Kenyatta’s trial had been set to start on July 9.

The decision comes after Kenyatta’s lawyers requested more time to prepare for the trial.

Deputy President William Ruto and Kenyatta were elected on a joint ticket in March. Both are accused of orchestrating
violence following elections five years ago, in which 1,200 people died.

Kenyatta and Ruto deny the charges.