A key witness for the defence in the Hague trial of Kenyan Deputy President, William Ruto was found dead over the weekend.

The decomposed body of Meshack Yebei turned up in western Kenya after a reported abduction on 28 December 2014.

According to the International Criminal Court (ICC), Mr Yebei turned down an offer to enter its witness protection programme.

According to the ICC, the witness declined to enter its witness protection program. Photo: Nation Media Group

According to the ICC, the witness declined to enter its witness protection program. Photo: Nation Media Group

“While the ICC Registry had offered Mr Yebei security measures, including a safe residency in a new location, he returned to Eldoret where the incident reportedly took place,” read a press release on the court’s website.

An investigation into the murder has since been called for.

Mr Ruto is facing charges of crimes against humanity following the 2007 post-election violence in Kenya.