International Criminal Court Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda has consented for trials against four Kenyan post-election violence suspects to be held in August instead of April.
Two of the suspects, Mr Uhuru Kenyatta and Mr William Ruto, are the flagbearers for the Jubilee coalition, a leading contender in Kenya’s presidential election that takes place next Monday.
The other accused are former Civil Service boss Francis Muthaura and radio journalist Joshua arap Sang.
Ms Bensouda proposes that the trails should start “immediately after the Court’s summer recess”.
In a letter to the Court, Ms Bensouda states that she is still ready to proceed with the trials should the judges reject the suspects’ requests for an adjournment.
“The Prosecution suggests that a start date immediately after the Court’s summer recess may be appropriate, although it is ready to start trial earlier, should the Chamber so order,” said the Prosecutor.
The court’s three judges now have to rule on the suspect’s request for adjournment.
Mr Kenyatta, Mr Ruto, Mr Muthaura and Mr Sang are facing charges of crimes against humanity allegedly committed at the height of Kenya’s post-election violence in 2007 and 2008.
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