Nairobi , Kenya ( CNN ) -- The son of the iconic founder of modern Kenya and two other powerful figures in the East African nation -- all accused of crimes against humanity -- made their first appearances before the International Criminal Court at The Hague on Friday . Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta , Cabinet Secretary Francis Muthaura and former national police Chief Hussein Ali are suspected of a range of crimes after the country 's disputed 2007 election . Kenyatta is the son of Jomo Kenyatta , Kenya 's first president . It comes a day after three others -- Former Agriculture Minister William Ruto , opposition leader Henry Kosgey and radio journalist Joshua Arap Sang -- had their first appearances before the court . All six are accused of organizing post-election violence that left more than 1,000 people dead and displaced hundreds of thousands more . Their presence at The Hague has reverberated across Kenya and is a `` big statement '' for the democratic society and the rule of law , said Martin Oloo , a Kenyan political scientist and a high court advocate . `` It is an indication that yes , responsibility and public action is possible where it is deemed that crimes have happened ; where it is deemed that some people need to be taken to account for their actions , '' he said . `` I think that is a good statement in a political scene such as Kenya 's , and perhaps Africa generally , because we have known impunity to thrive , we have known leadership to be unaccountable , and this is a statement that says , 'wait , you better be ready to account for your actions . ' `` The two groups of three come from opposite sides in the country 's disputed presidential election . The chaos and violence after the 2007 election escalated into ethnic violence pitting supporters of incumbent President Mwai Kibaki against those of challenger Raila Odinga , who was later named prime minister in a power-sharing agreement . Muthaura , Kenyatta and Ali are accused of committing or contributing to the killing , rape and other acts of violence against supporters of Odinga 's opposition Orange Democratic Movement . The judge set a September 21 date to hear arguments as to whether they should go to trial . Ruto , Sang and Kosgey are accused of being perpetrators in the murder , deportation and commission of other offenses against supporters of Kenya 's Party of National Unity . The judge set a September 1 date for their arguments . Ekaterina Trendafilova , the presiding judge , said if more crimes are committed , the court could replace summonses with arrest warrants . `` It came to the knowledge of the chamber through following some articles in the Kenyan newspapers that there are movements toward retriggering the violence in Kenya , by way of delivering dangerous speeches , '' the judge said . Kenya has challenged the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court , saying its own authorities will investigate and prosecute the cases on Kenyan soil . Oloo said the case is `` most important '' because it draws a line for Kenya . `` It says that 'wait a minute , you can not go about your business and commit all crimes , and do whatever you want to do all in the name of acquiring power , and get away with it , ' `` he said . The Netherlands-based court calls itself , on its website , `` an independent international organization ... established to help end impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community . '' CNN 's Joe Sterling contributed to this report .
Uhuru Kenyatta is former President Jomo Kenyatta 's son . Title: Why do we have to wait for the sun to rise before it can be used as a light source? The case is a `` big statement '' for Kenya 's democratic society , rule of law , analyst says .