ICC fires Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan over sexual misconduct claims
ICC fires Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan over sexual misconduct claims
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.
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.
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.
NCIC opens inquiry into Duale’s controversial ethnic remarks
Linda Mwananchi sweeps ODM support base with 74% backing; TIFA poll
Waiguru calls out CS Duale over remarks on Mt Kenya communit
Ruto leads as Sifuna overtakes Kalonzo and Matiang’i in latest TIFA polls
Grade 9 student kills classmate in Migori
JSC announces 221 job opportunities; How to Apply
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.
Khan has argued that the allegations against him, which arose in 2024, were linked to retaliation over his work at the court, though the removal process focused on the misconduct findings.
The ICC will now begin the process of addressing the leadership gap left by the departure of its top prosecutor.
‘You are organising Mungiki and we will deal with you!’ Murkomen to Gachagua
30,000 Kenyans secure internship positions govt deal with UNDP and private sector
Irungu Kang’ata officially joins DCP Party
ODM leads UDA and DCP as most popular political parties; TIFA poll
Government unveils policy to replace ageing public servants with young workforce
