- Opposition leaders announce plan to file ICC case against President Ruto.
- Accuse the state of extrajudicial killings, militia collusion, and violent suppression.
- Cite deaths during protests, including activist Albert Ojwang.
- Link Kenya’s Haiti mission to militia-style tactics back home.
- Call on Kenyans not to give up in pursuit of justice.
Kenya’s opposition leaders have now declared their intention to move to the International Criminal Court (ICC) with a case targeting President William Ruto. The leaders accuse his government of crimes against humanity, organising extrajudicial killings, and working with both local and foreign militia groups to silence dissent.
Their decision comes after deadly protests rocked Nairobi’s CBD earlier this week. The demonstrations, sparked by calls to remove Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, turned chaotic when armed police allegedly opened fire on peaceful protesters.
Leaders Say Kenya Turning Into a Police State
In a powerful statement signed by Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, Justin Muturi, Eugene Wamalwa, Mukhisa Kituyi, and Saitoti Torome, the opposition painted a chilling image of state violence.
“The police are no longer protectors of life but tools of terror. They act as judge, jury, and executioner under Ruto’s paranoid and repressive regime,” the statement read.
They alleged rogue police squads are operating alongside mysterious militia groups, unleashing brutality on citizens without accountability.
The opposition also questioned Kenya’s role in the Haiti-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission, claiming it wasn’t a peacekeeping assignment, but a trip by Ruto to study how to control populations using militia tactics.
“This was not about peace. It was about benchmarking how to rule a country through fear, violence, and militia-style control using taxpayers’ money,” they claimed.
Another concern raised was the appearance of masked police officers without name tags and the use of live bullets during peaceful protests. The opposition even went as far as linking firearms used in Kenya to those allegedly handed over to Sudan’s RSF fighters, accusing the state of illegal arms transfers across borders.
They also accused some officers of participating in looting during operations—a claim that continues to stir public anger.
The killing of activist and teacher Albert Ojwang was highlighted as a symbol of how far things have fallen. The leaders claim police lied to Parliament about the circumstances surrounding his death and insist the case reflects how accountability has collapsed within security agencies.
“We Have Evidence, We Are Going to The Hague”
The opposition says it has been quietly gathering evidence and is now ready to submit it to the ICC. They called on international bodies to act fast and help stop what they termed “a war on basic human rights.”
“The Ruto regime has replaced dialogue with bullets, and truth with lies. These actions have led to countless deaths both in Kenya and Sudan,” their statement read.
They closed by calling on Kenyans not to lose hope. “Do not be afraid. Do not back down,” the statement urged. “The courage shown by Albert Ojwang and others must not be wasted. The people’s voice will be heard.”
With more eyes now on Kenya, the opposition hopes global institutions will listen—and act.
