Panic and anxiety gripped the prosecution side at the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Tuesday after a key witness who was to testify on cases facing Deputy President William Ruto and his his co- accused, Joshua Sang’ refused to testify saying he wants to be paid more money in order to testify.
Witness 368, who was lined up after witness 326 (who is currently testifying), forced the Prosecution to call an urgent meeting on Tuesday evening to resolve the crisis which may jeopardize the whole case.
The Prosecution on Wednesday admitted that they have logistical problems with witness 368 and requested the Trial Chamber V judges to allow them change the order of witnesses, an application which was vehemently rejected by Ruto’s lawyer Karim Khan.
In his submission to the Chamber, Khan argued that any alteration in the order of witnesses would prejudice their case.
Khan said he wants the court to follow the schedule they had prepared in the beginning of the trial and any alterations will create injustice to the defence lawyers and the suspects in general.
Witness 368 has refused to testify saying he wants an amount of money that can make life comfortable for him and his family for the remaining part of his life.
He has requested millions of shillings and a prime house in Santa Rosa, California.
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