In a powerful display of public outcry, Kenyans have thronged the official Facebook Page of the International Criminal Court (ICC), demanding formal investigations on President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga in connection with the loss of lives during recent demonstrations. The online uproar came after the ICC shared a post commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Rome Statute adoption on July 17, 2023, at the UN in New York.
The demonstrations in question were part of the ongoing protests organised by the Azimio One Kenya Alliance, calling for a repeal of a finance law that imposed new taxes. However, the protests were marred by allegations of police brutality, with heartbreaking images and videos of victims circulating on social media.
The Rome Statute, adopted in 1998, serves as the foundation for the ICC—a permanent international tribunal responsible for prosecuting individuals for grave international crimes, including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. Under the statute, the ICC holds broad powers to investigate, prosecute, and try those accused of committing specified offences. The Office of the Prosecutor oversees initiating investigations and presenting cases before the Court.
Amidst mounting criticism, many Kenyan Facebook users accused President Ruto of maintaining silence while police allegedly subjected protesters to violence. One user commented, “Shift your attention to Kenya. Rogue police are killing innocent people, and the current government is violating human rights.”
On the other hand, some Kenyans pointed fingers at Opposition leader Raila Odinga, holding him responsible for the lives lost and property damaged during the anti-government protests. Calls for the ICC to scrutinise his role in the events echoed throughout the comment section.
Within just 17 hours, the post on ICC’s Facebook page received an astounding 4,700 comments, predominantly from Kenyan citizens expressing their disappointment with the actions of the two political leaders. As of July 20, 2023, police records indicated that at least six people were killed, and 30 others were injured in different locations during the demonstrations. The reports of police brutality and arrests of over 300 protesters in Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu, and Makueni further intensified public outrage.
Raila Odinga had called for three nationwide protests to pressure President Ruto into repealing the contested finance law. However, the demonstrations caused disruptions, with businesses and schools in major towns and cities forced to close as police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds.
President Ruto’s uncompromising stance against the protests and his vow to confront Raila Odinga head-on added fuel to the volatile situation. In response, Azimio One Kenya Alliance condemned the arrests of its elected leaders and two close associates of Mr Odinga, branding it a “desperate attempt” by the government to cripple the opposition.
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