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Latest developments around the circumstances of the death of Kenyan lawyer Paul Gicheru. According to the family’s lawyer, the poison hypothesis seems ruled out.
Paul Gicheru had been found died at his home in Nairobi on September 26 last in questionable circumstances. While the deliberations of his trial at the ICC were underway and the verdict imminent. The lawyer was accused of having bribed several witnesses to refuse to speak against William Ruto on his role in the post-election violence of 2007-2008, making prosecution impossible. The circumstances of the death of Paul Gicheru had raised questions, in particular the state of health of his son, hospitalized in emergency the same day.
“ According to the pathologists’ report, Paul Gicheru appears to have died of a heart attack, explains John Khaminwa, the family’s lawyer, at the microphone of our correspondent in Nairobi, Albane Thirouard. The poison hypothesis has in any case been eliminated. If they had found any, they would of course have said so. Then, his wife explains it well: she stayed with him all day, she prepared the meal that he ate then he went to rest and it was after that she found him with moss in the mouth. It should also be noted that he had health concerns, he was notably diabetic. »
“ Regarding his son, he says he felt bad, because he was very devastated at the sight of his father’s death, it was a big shock for him, the two were very closecontinues the lawyer. Now, Kenyan law normally provides for an inquest as soon as someone dies suddenly, where they gather evidence, interview witnesses and confront their versions of the facts… So a more in-depth investigation will surely take place. We were not informed that she had started. Other tests will probably be done as well, but I doubt they will give different results. In any case, we remain informed. »
The death of Paul Gicheru should lead to the closure of the case at the ICC. In view of this context, several voices have already been raised to express suspicion. In particular that of the opponent Raila Odinga who asks the opening of an international investigation.
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