THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Two prominent Kenyans accused of orchestrating deadly violence that erupted after 2007 presidential elections called on the International Criminal Court on Thursday to delay the start of their trial.

Lawyers for Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Cabinet secretary Francis Muthaura told judges at a pretrial hearing that prosecutors have not disclosed key evidence ahead of the trial that is scheduled to start April 11.

They argue that identities of several witnesses are still being withheld and large chunks of evidence are being redacted by prosecutors, meaning they cannot properly prepare for trial.

"The extent of the redactions, in names and substance, render the proposed date for trial entirely untenable," said Gillian Higgins, one of Kenyatta's attorneys.

Prosecutors said they are working within court rules and deadlines for disclosure set by the judges.

Judges made no immediate ruling.

Kenyatta and Muthaura are charged with crimes against humanity for alleged involvement in the murder, forcible deportation, persecution and rape of supporters of Prime Minister Raila Odinga in the aftermath of the 2007 vote.

The violence left more than 1,000 people dead.

Two other suspects, former Education Minister William Ruto and broadcaster Joshua Arap Sang, are charged with similar offenses and face a separate trial. The two cases are separate because the suspects supported different candidates in the 2007 election.

Kenyatta, who is the son of Kenya's founding father, Jomo Kenyatta, is running on a joint ticket with Ruto in next month's presidential election.

Attempting to explain how they will run the country while facing a trial at the ICC that could last for years and how Kenya's relationship with the west will be affected if they win, have become the main talking points for Kenyatta and Ruto in their campaigns throughout the country. Continued...