We want ICC to take a keener look into the Kenya situation, Azimio says
On Day 2 of the Maandamano protests, leaders from the Azimio coalition expressed grave concerns over escalating police brutality and unlawful arrests allegedly targeting innocent Kenyans and their leaders.
The National Assembly Minority Leader, Opiyo Wandayi, called for action from international bodies and local authorities to address the situation.
“We want the UN Human Rights Office to not only comment on these matters seriously but to take note of these happenings with a view to holding the perpetrators of these heinous crimes accountable,” said Opiyo Wandayi.
He added that the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) needed to take a keener look at the situation since the arrests were allegedly crimes against humanity.
“We cannot allow this country to go back to the KANU dark times. They have taken away our security so they can abduct us,” Vihiga Senator, Godfrey Osotsi accused the police and the government.
Azimio One Kenya leader Raila Odinga also stated on Twitter that his bodyguard, Maurice Ogeta, who was allegedly abducted by unknown assailants suspected to be police officers, was not released.
Among those detained were prominent figures such as Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga, Kilifi County Speaker Teddy Mwambire, MCAs Wilfred Odallo, and Redson Ochongo.
The police’s actions were met with condemnation from the Azimio coalition, which demanded the immediate release of their affiliates and an end to the unconstitutional arrests.
The situation had escalated to the point where police even dispersed Babu Owino’s supporters from the Milimani courtroom during his appearance
“The continued unlawful detention, which the Ruto regime has sanctioned, is a flagrant violation of our laws,” emphasized Azimio’s co-principal, Martha Karua.
“We ask the police to continue arresting any person who wants to disturb the peace. We appeal to the ICC; this is no longer about Article 37,” Nandi Senator Kiprotich Cherargei said during a press conference by Kenya Kwanza amidst the serious allegations of police brutality and unlawful arrests.
In response to the ongoing anti-government protests, President Ruto expressed his willingness to engage in talks with the opposition, provided they refrain from involving the contentious handshake conversation. However, the Azimio coalition insisted on using demonstrations as a means to raise their concerns.
The Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, reported that more than 300 people had been arrested and charged with various offences, including looting, malicious damage to property, arson, robbery with violence, and assaulting law enforcement officers, among others.
“The security agencies remain alert throughout and will increase operational capabilities tomorrow and in the days ahead to ensure normalcy is maintained, and the country does not slide into anarchy,” he emphasized.
As the situation remained tense, the Azimio leaders called for accountability, justice, and respect for constitutional rights in handling protests and dissenting voices.