Kony still alive, ICC lawyer says, as Ugandan victims urge spiritual action to find him
Victims of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency have urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to “petition God” to intervene in the arrest of fugitive Ugandan rebel leader Joseph Kony, saying only divine power may weaken what they describe as his “magical powers.”
Kony, who faces 39 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity for attacks between July 2002 and December 2005 in northern Uganda, remains at large nearly 20 years after the ICC issued an arrest warrant for him.
During a stakeholders’ dialogue organised by the Hague-based court in Lira City on November 25, victims expressed deep frustration with the absence of progress.
“For me I think since the ICC does not have its own armed force, let the court now present a petition to God to intervene so that Kony is finally arrested,” said Ms Semmy Adong, who was abducted at age nine when LRA fighters raided the Barlonyo IDP camp on February 21, 2004. She returned from captivity in 2024 with two children.
Civil society representative Ms Jane Ekayo said northern Uganda still lives with the scars of the conflict and the unresolved trauma of mass abductions and killings. She said victims’ frustration has “boiled over” as they continue to wait for justice.
She also agreed that spiritual intervention may be necessary for justice to prevail.
“There are so many great prophets in this country (Uganda) that we can recommend. Today, when you asked me how many I can give you. There are 10 of them. Let’s engage these people in prayer. Because it’s likely that there are evil forces that are controlling this man (Kony). And spiritual things are dealt with spiritually,” she said.
Senior Trial Lawyer Ms Leonie Von Braun of the Office of the Prosecutor acknowledged the victims’ anger, but said the ICC could not disclose operational details about efforts to locate Kony.
“Anything I would say in detail could compromise the work we are doing, which is highly sensitive with partners, some of which are risking the lives of people who may be engaging in trying to arrest him,” she said.
“It is not because we don’t want to share information. It is because there are reasons we can’t,” she added.
Von Braun reassured the victims that Kony is alive.
“At this moment in time, I can say all our information says yes. Do we know who he is? Yes. He is a man, a normal human being walking the planet, but he has a violent nature and he is prone to having influenced people in a very bad way.”
She said the warlord’s influence has weakened since leaving Uganda but added: “Where he is, he is still going about his old ways and he is not treating people well and that needs to stop wherever he is.”
The ICC Prosecutor’s Office recently welcomed Pre-Trial Chamber III’s decision confirming all 39 charges against Kony in absentia, covering attacks on IDP camps, the raid on Lwala Girls Secondary School, and widespread abductions and mistreatment of children and women.
The case will now proceed to a trial chamber, enabling immediate trial once Kony is arrested.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Fixing The Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar. Podcast created by: Nation FM
Fixing the Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.