Sang used his radio programme to preach peace, defence says

PHOTO | BILLY MUTAI | FILE Joshua arap Sang shortly before the beginning of trial proceedings on October 23, 2013.  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• Mr Sang’s defence lawyer Katwa Kigen said his client was “pleading for peace and perseverance”
• Mr Kigen’s cross-examination of Witness 268 was fraught with private sessions, cutting various sections of the witness testimony from the public

By Nation Reporter
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Mr Joshua arap Sang used his popular radio programme Le Nee Emet (What is the world saying) to preach peace, his defence told the The-Hague-based court on Tuesday.

Mr Sang’s defence lawyer Katwa Kigen said his client was “pleading for peace and perseverance” even before Kenyans went to the elections in 2007. On February 18, 2008, Mr Kigen said, his client “dedicated his programme to prayers and Bible reading.”

Mr Kigen’s cross-examination of Witness 268 was fraught with private sessions, cutting various sections of the witness testimony from the public.

The defence also maintained that Mr Sang did not support any political party and ODM for that matter at the elections. He played audio recordings of his client’s broadcasts in 2007 and 2008 to prove to the court that his client was innocent.

Defence: The host of the programme makes reference to PNU. Doesn’t he?

Witness: Yes, your honour.

Defence: He also makes reference to ODM, doesn’t he?

Witness: Yes, your honour

Defence: He also makes reference to ODM Kenya, doesn’t he?

Witness: Yes, your honour

Defence: At the end of listing all the parties, does he recommend the party that should be followed by all listeners?

Witness: Not from what I have read.

Defence: Could you confirm, that Sang says ‘I am shocked’ on the second line of the translation by the prosecution?

Witness: Yes.

Defence: Could you explain to the court what shocked him?

Witness: He is shocked by the fact that the caller doesn’t prioritise the person but the party.

Defence: And the person is Mr Ruto?

Witness: Yes.

Defence: Mr Witness, could you confirm, as a matter of fact that Sang was pleading for peace and perseverance?

Witness: Yes.

(Court goes into private session)

Mr Kigen also said that after the elections, Mr Sang was not only concerned by the violence in the Rift Valley but the entire country.

Defence: Mr Witness, you also notice Sang has highlighted violence was all over Kenya?

Witness: Yes, your honour.

Defence: Did you listen to this broadcast?

Witness: I can’t remember.

Defence: When the prosecution played to you the audio of February 18, 2008, did they also play out this audio I have just played to you?

Witness: I can’t remember. No, I don’t recall.

Defence: Mr Witness, you realise Mr Sang is asking the listeners of Le Nee Emet to disclose who planned the violence?

Witness: Yes, your honour.

Mr Kigen also sought to discredit the witness testimony that Mr Sang had told people to demonstrate against stolen elections, saying, the accused appealed for people to remain indoors and leave the tallying of votes to politicians.