Opposition leader Raila Odinga has written to the International Criminal Court (ICC) demanding for an immediate inquiry into the country’s political situation.
Raila through his lawyer Paul Mwangi listed nine contentious issues that he wants the international court based in The Hague, Netherlands to intervene.
In the letter dated Friday, April 14, the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party presidential candidate in the 2022 elections accused President William Ruto of forming rogue police through the National Police Service mainly to inflict injuries and even kill its supporters during peaceful protests.
“The squads are reported to be dressed in plain clothes to operate outside the normal command structure and to take direction directly from select commanders appointed for that purpose by Japheth Koome,” the letter read in part.
The veteran politician further accused Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome of disregarding the Constitution as well as contempt for democracy by banning peaceful demonstrations.
Further, the recent failed attempt to assassinate the former Prime Minister during the last month’s anti-government protests was also featured in the letter.
“A report of the attack was made the next day and a complaint lodged the same day but no actions were taken,” the letter added.
During the demos in Nairobi, police fired seven live bullets at the veteran politician’s car as he led a highly charged demonstration.
“My own car was hit seven times with live bullets, and the direction of the bullets was all aimed at me. These people have been threatening and blackmailing us, unfortunately, the friends of this country are not helping,” he said.
During the one-month-long protests, almost 10 Kenyans reportedly lost their lives while hundreds of others were left nursing serious gunshot wounds and injuries courtesy of teargas canisters.
