KITUI, Kenya — Leaders allied to Kenya’s opposition have said they are compiling evidence with the intention of pursuing legal action against President William Ruto at the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged killings linked to what they describe as state-backed criminal gangs.
The remarks were made during the conclusion of the opposition coalition’s Ukambani tour on Thursday, where senior figures accused the government of enabling violence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka alleged that criminal gangs had been embedded within state security structures to intimidate opponents and disrupt political activities.
“Ukiendelea na tabia ya kusema vijana wapigwe risasi, bila shaka tutakurudisha katika mahakama ya ICC,” Kalonzo warned.
Other leaders present included Eugene Wamalwa of DAP-K and Justin Muturi, who echoed concerns over what they termed as rising insecurity and political violence.
“Gangs na polisi sasa ni kitu kimoja na wanatumika kudhulumu Wakenya hasa wanasiasa wa upinzani. Na IG ameachia kazi Murkomen ambaye ameshindwa na kazi kwa sababu wanatumia goons kutekeleza uhalifu,” said Gachagua.
The opposition leaders directly criticised Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, accusing them of failing to curb what they described as a growing network of criminal gangs, which they claimed now number around 100 across the country.
They also demanded security guarantees for their upcoming rallies and political engagements, warning against selective enforcement of law and order.
“Sasa nimeona Kanja umesema ati umejua goons ni nani…ati mkutano ya Linda Mwananchi Kisumu itakuwa na amani. Hiyo ni mzuri…nataka utangaze, sio mkutano ya Linda Mwananchi pekee yake…mikutano yote Jamhuri ya Kenya,” added Gachagua.
Beyond security concerns, the leaders urged residents of the Ukambani region to register as voters in large numbers ahead of the next general election, framing it as a critical moment to influence the country’s political direction.
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The threat to seek intervention from the International Criminal Court (ICC) revives memories of Kenya’s previous engagement with the court following the 2007–2008 post-election violence, when several senior political figures, including President Ruto, faced charges that were later dropped due to insufficient evidence.
Legal experts note that for any ICC case to proceed, there must be clear evidence of crimes against humanity and proof that domestic mechanisms are unwilling or unable to prosecute.
At the time of publication, the government had not formally responded to the opposition’s claims. However, officials have previously rejected similar allegations, maintaining that security agencies operate independently and within the law.
