Lawyer Paul Gicheru’s lawyer John Khaminwa has expressed shock following his client’s decision to surrender to the International Criminal Court (ICC) despite court orders protecting him from being extradited to The Hague-based court.
Khaminwa, in an interview with The Standard on Tuesday, November 3, revealed that he had no idea what his client was planning adding that he learned about Gicheru’s surrender from the media
He also noted that he spoke to his wife who confirmed that the duo was doing fine in the European country.
“I have spoken to his wife in The Hague and they are fine. Paul Gicheru as I know him does not enjoy good health at all and I hope that authorities in Hague will not put him into custody.
“I know him as a client and he should continue to be free. I know they read your paper there,” stated the lawyer.
“I did not meet him at all. I obtained good orders for him, that he should not be extradited and that matter had ended and I am surprised. I am wondering why he surrendered. I was just surprised like everyone that he had gone to Amsterdam,” stated Khaminwa.
Khaminwa led Gicheru’s high-spirited fight in the corridors of justice where he successfully fought against extradition to the ICC.
A report by the Nation indicated that the media house had planned an interview with the embattled lawyer but he left for The Hague before it came to fruition.
Gicheru had reportedly agreed to shed light on his life since a warrant of arrest was issued against him in 2015.
“Getting the lawyer was no mean feat. Most of the phone numbers we called failed to go through. Some, we were out of service.
“After a number of attempts, we finally got a hold of the advocate. A soft-spoken man even on phone, Mr Gicheru informed us that he had resolved to let the ICC matter rest, arguing that most of the things we wanted to talk about have been overtaken by time,” read part of Nation report.
Gicheru surrendered to the ICC on Monday, November 2, five years after an arrest warrant was issued by The Hague-based court in 2015.
In a statement, ICC revealed that after his surrender, he was to make the first appearance to ascertain his identity and have his charges read to him.
The advocate was accused of obstruction of justice in the case against Deputy President William Ruto.
Gicheru, alongside Philip Kipkoech Bett, was accused of tampering with ICC witnesses.
