NAIROBI, Kenya — People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua has called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to pay closer attention to Kenya’s political environment amid allegations of violence targeting opposition figures ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking on behalf of the United Opposition, Karua said recent incidents at political gatherings raised questions about the protection of citizens and political actors and called for greater scrutiny of any evidence linking state officials to organised violence.
Karua urged the ICC Prosecutor to assess information emerging from Kenya and determine whether it provides grounds for renewed scrutiny of President William Ruto.
She said any credible evidence showing that state officials, or individuals acting with their knowledge or support, were involved in systematic attacks should be subjected to appropriate international investigation.
“If there is evidence of systematic attacks involving state actors or those acting with their knowledge or support, that evidence should be properly investigated,” Karua said.
Karua calls for review of Ruto ICC case
Karua also called for a review of the earlier ICC proceedings involving Ruto, arguing that any credible new evidence should be assessed to determine whether there is a legal basis for renewed proceedings.
Ruto was among several Kenyans charged by the ICC over crimes against humanity allegedly committed during Kenya’s 2007/08 post-election violence.
The charges against him included murder, persecution and deportation or forcible transfer of population.
The ICC case was terminated in 2016 after prosecutors said they could not proceed because of difficulties obtaining sufficient evidence. Prosecutors also raised concerns about alleged witness interference.
The termination did not amount to an acquittal following a full trial on the merits.
Karua’s latest remarks therefore place renewed attention on the ICC’s previous involvement in Kenya as opposition leaders raise concerns about political violence ahead of the next election.
Opposition raises concerns over 2027 election
Karua also turned her attention to the 2027 General Election, calling on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure that the electoral process is transparent, credible and conducted within the law.
She said political competition should not be accompanied by intimidation, threats or violence.
The former Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister urged political leaders and their supporters to reject the use of organised groups to disrupt rallies or prevent rival candidates from campaigning.
According to Karua, Kenyans must be able to participate in political activities without fear as parties and candidates intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 polls.
She said the election should ultimately be determined by voters and competing political ideas rather than intimidation or violence.
Political violence claims intensify
Karua’s intervention comes amid heightened political tensions, with opposition leaders accusing the government and its supporters of tolerating or facilitating violence at political gatherings.
Government officials have rejected such allegations.
The accusations have gained renewed attention following clashes at opposition rallies, with competing political factions trading blame over who organised or instigated violence.
Also Read: Karua accuses Ruto government of sponsoring violence at opposition rallies
The political dispute has also fuelled wider concerns about the security environment ahead of the 2027 election.
Karua said Kenya’s institutions must act to ensure that political disagreements do not escalate into organised violence.
She maintained that protecting political freedoms was essential to preserving public confidence in the electoral process.
The ICC’s jurisdiction, however, is governed by the Rome Statute and applies only where its legal requirements are met. Allegations alone do not establish individual criminal responsibility.
For Kenya, the political debate is increasingly centred on whether the country’s institutions can guarantee a peaceful and credible election as the 2027 contest approaches.
Karua’s appeal to the ICC adds an international dimension to that debate, while placing the burden on investigators and judicial authorities to establish whether any allegations of systematic political violence are supported by credible evidence.
