Kenyatta becomes first president to appear before ICC

THE HAGUE - Agence France-Presse

Kenya's President Kenyatta speaks to a member of his defence team as he appears before the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Oct. 8. REUTERS Photo

Kenya's Uhuru Kenyatta on Oct. 9 became the first sitting president to appear before the International Criminal Court where he has been charged with crimes against humanity.

Kenyatta, who handed power to his deputy before flying to The Hague, was summoned to answer questions about his floundering trial for allegedly masterminding post-election violence in 2007-2008.

Wearing a charcoal suit and blue tie, a relaxed-looking Kenyatta spoke with his lawyer before the start of the "status conference."        

ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, who has alleged witness intimidation and that Nairobi is withholding evidence, was also present.

"The case is at a critical juncture, which is why I deemed appropriate to be here in person," she said.

Many Kenyatta supporters and Kenyan MPs were in the packed public gallery, with some frustrated at not being allowed access.