President William Ruto’s former lawyer Karim Khan has been removed from the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) chief prosecutor role following findings linked to sexual misconduct allegations.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The ICC Assembly of States Parties approved Khan’s removal with 82 votes in favour following a disciplinary process that examined allegations involving an inappropriate relationship with a junior staff member.

In addition, he faces claims that he sought to prevent the staff member from pursuing a complaint against him.

Khan has denied all allegations against him and said he will challenge the decision through available legal mechanisms.

📌 What You Need to Know

He previously led Ruto’s legal defence during proceedings at the ICC arising from the 2007-08 post-election violence.

The case against Ruto and journalist Joshua Sang was terminated in 2016 after judges found the prosecution had not presented sufficient evidence for a conviction.

After taking office as ICC prosecutor in 2021, Khan recused himself from handling Kenya-related matters because of his previous role representing Ruto .

Khan’s removal comes after he had been suspended from his position before the vote as the ICC considered the findings and recommendations from the investigation process.

It comes at a time when the ICC has faced intense scrutiny over its operations and decisions involving high-profile international cases.

In 2024, Khan pursued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials over alleged crimes linked to the Gaza conflict, a move that attracted international attention and political opposition.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke