The Kenyan opposition alliance has written to the ICC prosecutor, accusing the police chief of ordering attacks on its supporters during anti-government protests and requesting an investigation.
Following President William Ruto’s request earlier this month, opposition leader Raila Odinga chose to halt anti-government protests and instead engage in discussion.
Thousands of people marched in a series of marches over the course of two weeks last month. Allegations of electoral fraud in the presidential election in August fueled the violent protests.
Azimio, the alliance, claims to have written to the International Criminal Court requesting an inquiry against Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome. It said that he had violated the constitution by restricting protests and threatening protestors with death and physical harm.
The alliance’s lawyer, Paul Mwangi, said in a letter to the International Criminal Court’s Office of the Prosecutor that Kenya “has neglected, failed, and or refused to take the requisite steps to prosecute this matter and ensure that the perpetrator is brought to justice.”
When the ICC receives communications from member countries, it makes no comment. Every year, the court gets countless communications, and although they are all examined, it is ultimately up to the prosecutor to determine which ones need further investigation.
Cases from a variety of nations, including Ukraine, Israel/Palestine, and Afghanistan, are presently being heard by the court.
Kenyan police are only permitted to use force if there is an urgent threat to life or property, and the government has previously said that no live fire should be used during protests.
More than 1,200 people were killed in post-election violence in Kenya in 2007-2008, and the government is facing charges at the International Criminal Court.
All of the accusations, including the one filed against Ruto and ex-President Uhuru Kenyatta, were dropped.
