THE HAGUE, Netherlands, July 19 (UPI) -- More witnesses may be called to testify against Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta after security concerns forced two others to withdraw, the ICC said.
Kenyatta and Vice President William Ruto face war crimes charges at the International Criminal Court for their alleged role in post-election violence in 2007. At least 1,000 people died and another 600,000 were displaced in Kenya by the violence.
Kenyatta was elected to his first term in March.
Two witnesses set to testify in the case withdrew because of security concerns. ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah told the BBC the ICC was working to rebuild the case.
"The prosecutor might seek to add other witnesses in the future if suitable replacements for these witnesses are forthcoming," he said Thursday.
Kenyatta and Ruto deny the allegations against them. Kenyatta this year said he expected the case against him to collapse after the ICC dropped charges former Cabinet Secretary Francis Muthaura. Security concerns expressed by witnesses led in part to the ICC's action dismissing the charges.
Kenyatta bested former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in 2013 elections. Odinga's challenge to the 2007 contest sparked political disputes triggering the violence. He said he was frustrated with the 2013 campaign, but called for patience with the Kenyatta administration.
