In a significant development, the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced on Monday the conclusion of investigations in cases involving six Kenyan suspects accused of crimes against humanity following the 2007 presidential elections.

ICC Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan conveyed the decision in a statement sent to the media, revealing that the assessment leading to the conclusion was made after Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan recused himself from the case.

"After assessing all the information available to me at this time, I have decided to conclude the investigation phase in the Situation in Kenya. I have reached this decision after considering the specific facts and circumstances of this Situation," the statement read in part.

President William Ruto was among the six suspects accused of orchestrating political violence in the aftermath of the disputed presidential election results in 2007. The other individuals implicated included former President Uhuru Kenyatta, former minister Henry Kosgey, former Inspector General Mohammed Hussein Ali, former Head of Public Service Francis Muthaura, and radio presenter Joshua Arap Sang.

Since 2010, all cases against the accused have been withdrawn or terminated, with the prosecution citing a lack of evidence and interference with witnesses.

However, the ICC clarified that cases against Walter Barasa and Philip Bett, who are currently at large and accused of tampering with witnesses, remain before the court. The Hague-based court emphasized its authority to act on information related to retaliation against witnesses, even though it will not pursue additional cases against them.

The statement also noted that President Ruto's former lawyer, Paul Gicheru, had been accused of tampering with witnesses. Gicheru passed away in September 2022 under mysterious circumstances at his residence in Karen, Nairobi County, complicating the ongoing investigations. His death occurred after he had already testified before the court.