Court to name suspects in Kenya post-vote violence

NAIROBI, Kenya — Three years after postelection violence left more than 1,000 people dead, top Kenyan leaders will learn Wednesday if they will face international prosecution over their involvement in the violence.

The prosecutor for the International Criminal Court on Wednesday is expected to make public two cases against six people suspected of participation in postelection violence in the wake of a disputed December 2007 poll, as he files charges against them. He will also request that judges issue summonses.

The violence over who would take the presidency escalated into ethnic violence that included indiscriminate bow and arrow, machete and gunfire attacks.

The court will decide whether to summon suspects to appear voluntarily or will issue warrants, a decision that can take weeks.

ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo said he expects the suspects to surrender voluntarily. He also asked them to not contact each other, try to interfere with the investigation or trial, or commit new crimes.

"If the suspects do not comply with the conditions set by the Chamber, I will request arrest warrants," he said in a statement issued Wednesday. "If there is any indication of bribes, intimidation or threats, I will request arrest warrants."

Kenyan police said they do not think violence will follow Wednesday's announcement, but the U.S. Embassy has warned its citizens that political tension may increase and turn to violence. The U.S. warning advised against travel to the Rift Valley, where some of the worst atrocities occurred.

The attacks broke out after the vote and lasted several weeks, often pitting tribes against each other. Kenya attempted to set up a tribunal but parliament shut it down and no major figure has ever faced justice.

Those expected to be named include former Cabinet minister William Ruto, an ethnic Kalenjin. His lawyer said Ruto believes he is among the suspects because he received a letter from the ICC asking him to respond to allegations of involvement in the violence.

The court may also name Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, an ethnic Kikuyu, who was accused of involvement in a report presented to the ICC by the government-funded Kenya National Commission of Human Rights. Kenyatta has gone to court get his name expunged from the report.

The ICC's announcement that it will name suspects has led to frayed nerves among government leaders.