Kenya’s united opposition has called on the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to closely monitor the country’s political situation and consider reopening investigations involving President William Ruto amid growing concerns over recent incidents of political violence.
In a statement delivered on behalf of the united opposition, People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua cited recent attacks targeting opposition politicians during public rallies and questioned how such incidents could occur under the government’s watch.
Karua urged the ICC Prosecutor to assess whether the reported incidents constitute credible grounds for opening a fresh investigation, particularly if evidence emerges of systematic or widespread attacks against civilians.
“We call on the ICC Prosecutor to closely follow developments in Kenya and assess whether there is credible information warranting an investigation,” Karua said.
She further called on the international court to review the status of the previous charges against President Ruto and determine whether the case should be reopened.
“If evidence emerges of widespread or systematic attacks against civilians that are planned, financed, directed or tolerated by those in authority, we call on the Prosecutor to investigate President Ruto, who was previously charged by the ICC, and to review the status of the previous charges against him,” she said.
Karua also called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to safeguard the right of Kenyans to participate in a free, fair and credible electoral process that reflects the will of the people.
She urged Kenyans across the political divide to reject violence, hooliganism and intimidation, warning that protecting democracy should not be left solely to political leaders.
“Protecting democracy cannot be left to citizens and political leaders alone; it is the responsibility of every Kenyan,” Karua said.
She called on Kenyans to reject political violence regardless of who is responsible or who stands to benefit from it.
“No citizen should be denied the right to campaign, assemble or vote because armed gangs have been unleashed against them. The 2027 election must be a contest of ideas, not intimidation; a contest of votes, not bullets,” she added.
President William Ruto was charged by the ICC in 2013 with three counts of crimes against humanity, including murder, forcible transfer or deportation of population, and persecution, in connection with the 2007/08 post-election violence.
Three years later, the ICC terminated the case, citing insufficient evidence and allegations by the Prosecutor that witnesses had been subjected to widespread interference.
However, the court indicated that the case could potentially be reopened if new evidence emerged.
The opposition’s latest appeal has therefore renewed attention on the ICC’s previous proceedings against Ruto while raising fresh concerns over political violence and the credibility of preparations for Kenya’s 2027 General Election.
