Wamalwa warns Kenya could return to ICC over rising political violence

Eugene Wamalwa, leader of Kenya's Democratic Action Party (DAP-K), has cautioned that escalating political violence could lead Kenya back to the International Criminal Court (ICC). This warning echoed the aftermath of the 2007-2008 post-election crisis, which resulted in over 1,000 deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands. Wamalwa likened the current atmosphere to that dark period, stating, "We can only end up in one place: the ICC, and it would be very unfortunate if Kenya were to go back to the ICC because I was there, and it was traumatising flying all those miles away to a very cold place to face justice away from home."

The 2007 violence saw prominent Kenyan figures like then-Deputy President William Ruto face ICC cases, which were later dismissed. Wamalwa emphasized the need to move away from viewing political opponents as enemies, echoing his late brother Michael's philosophy of treating them as competitors rather than foes. He called for a return to democratic principles where differing views are respected, rather than insults, violence, and falsehoods.

Wamalwa also accused the current administration of fostering a "goonvernment" - a term he used to describe the alliance between government-backed extremists and elements of the police force. He warned that this arrangement poses an existential threat to democracy, as it enables the government to protect its enforcers from accountability.

The DAP-K leader's comments came as opposition leaders urged the ICC to monitor political developments in Kenya ahead of the 2027 elections. Several opposition leaders, including Rigathi Gachagua, Fred Matiang’i, and Edwin Sifuna, have faced allegations of violence in recent months. Rights groups like Vocal Africa have also written to the ICC, expressing concerns over political violence and "goonism", ahead of the 2027 general election.