Opposition asks ICC to probe Ruto over alleged political violence ahead of 2027

NAIROBI, Kenya - A coalition of opposition parties and movements in Kenya have called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate alleged political violence and potentially hold President William Ruto accountable, according to a joint media notice released on Wednesday. Concerns over escalating violence are growing ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The United Alternative Government of Kenya and the Linda Mwananchi Movement urged the ICC's Office of the Prosecutor to monitor the situation and conduct a preliminary assessment to determine if the violence meets the threshold for investigation under the Rome Statute. They specifically named President Ruto as the "person bearing the greatest responsibility" and called for the ICC Prosecutor to focus on him.

The coalition cited several incidents of violence, including attacks on Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua in Rongai, Nakuru County, and Deputy party leader Fred Matiang’i at Mulot, Bomet County. They also mentioned violence surrounding a Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay and an earlier incident in Keumbu, Kisii County. The opposition noted that some of these attacks occurred in the presence or within the reach of police officers, questioning the protection of Kenya's democratic space.

They demanded independent investigations into these incidents and urged constitutional institutions, religious leaders, civil society organizations, lawyers, and journalists to resist what they described as attempts to normalize intimidation and politically motivated violence. The group called for the IEBC to collaborate with other institutions to ensure free and fear-free campaigning and voting.