Muturi demands ICC office in Nairobi over ethnic tensions

Former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi has urged the immediate creation of an International Criminal Court (ICC) office in Nairobi. Muturi, speaking on behalf of the United Alternative Government, warned that escalating ethnic rhetoric could reignite memories of the 2007-08 post-election violence. In a statement on September 6, 2026, he expressed concern over messages targeting communities in the Mt Kenya region, which appeared designed to instill fear and sway political decisions ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

Muturi emphasized that no Kenyan community should be intimidated, targeted or coerced into abstaining from voting. He argued that an ICC presence would serve as an early intervention mechanism, preventing violence rather than reacting to it. An outreach office would facilitate early engagement, documentation and preservation of credible evidence, and provide a channel for victims, witnesses, civil society groups, and institutions to voice their concerns.

Muturi cautioned political leaders against exploiting ethnicity to influence voters, urging them to maintain peace and refrain from incitement or intimidation. The call for an ICC office comes amid intensifying political activity ahead of the 2027 elections, with several incidents involving political gatherings sparking concerns over security and public order.

Opposition leaders and civil society organisations have expressed apprehension over violent incidents during political events, with some attributing these actions to organized efforts rather than isolated incidents. While the ICC has not initiated an investigation into current concerns, Muturi argued for proactive measures to prevent the escalation of rhetoric into violence, in hopes of avoiding a repeat of the aftermath of the 2007 election.