In January 2012, four well-known Kenyans were ordered to stand trial at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. The four men were charged with crimes against humanity for their roles in the violence that erupted after the disputed 2007 elections. More than 300,000 people were forced to leave their homes and at least 1,100 people were killed in the violence.

One of the men brought up on charges was Uhuru Kenyatta, the richest man in the country and the son of Kenyas first president. Former education minister and Kenyattas political rival, William Ruto, was also charged. Both Ruto and Kenyatta said they would run in the next election, regardless of the courts ruling. Radio executive Joshua arap Sang and cabinet secretary Francis Muthaura were the other two men charged. No trial date has been set, but the presidential election is expected in late 2012 or early 2013.