On 30 September 2021, Trial Chamber III of the International Criminal Court (ICC) scheduled the opening of the trial in the case of The Prosecutor v. Paul Gicheru for 15 February 2022.
This date was set by the Chamber after it held a Status Conference on 24 September 2021 on this matter and noted the respective submissions by the Prosecution and the Defence, as well as the necessary time for the disclosure of evidence and other materials.
Trial Chamber III is composed of Judge Miatta Maria Samba.
Decision Setting the Commencement Date of the Trial and Related Deadlines
Background: The arrest warrants against Paul Gicheru and Philip Kipkoech Bett were issued under seal on 10 March 2015 and unsealed on 10 September 2015 for offences against the administration of justice consisting of corruptly influencing witnesses of the Court in Kenya. On 2 November 2020, Mr Gicheru surrendered himself to the authorities of The Netherlands and was surrendered to ICC custody on 3 November 2020. His first appearance before the ICC took place on 6 November 2020. On 11 December 2020, Pre-Trial Chamber A severed the case against Mr Gicheru from the one against Mr Bett. On 15 July 2021, Pre-Trial Chamber A confirmed the charges of offences against the administration of justice against Mr Gicheru and committed him to trial.