KENYAN'S DEPUTY PRESIDENT LOSES ATTENDANCE RULING OF ICC

Pending the outcome of the AU’s deliberations on whether serving Heads Of State should stand trial at the ICC. The International Criminal Court has told Kenya's Deputy President William Ruto he must attend most of his trial on charges of crimes against humanity. Prosecutors had appealed against an earlier decision which would have let him spend most of his time in Kenya. While he must appear at most of his trial, the court ruled he can be excused on a "case by case" basis. Mr Ruto's lawyers argued he was needed in Kenya after the attack by Islamist militants on the Westgate centre. He also denies responsibility for post-election violence in 2007 and 2008. An estimated 1,200 people were killed in the ethnic bloodshed and about 600,000 people fled their homes. His lawyers argued that justice could be met in his absence. At least 67 people were killed when militants believed to be from the Somali al-Shabab group stormed the shopping centre last month. In their ruling on Friday, judges were critical of the initial decision to give the deputy president a "blanket excusal" before the trial had even commenced. He will be allowed to apply to miss portions of the case but his absence will only be allowed when it is absolutely necessary. The Hague says that the ruling reinforces the power of the ICC to hold the most powerful to account.  Mr Ruto has so far attended much of his case. Friday's judgement could also affect the trial of Kenyan President Uhuru, whose trial on similar charges is scheduled to start next month. The prosecution is still considering whether to appeal against a decision to allow the president to miss parts of his trial.