Kenyan Opposition Vows to Take President Ruto to ICC Over Alleged Crimes Against Humanity

In a bold and unified stance, Kenya’s United Opposition has announced plans to file a case at the International Criminal Court (ICC) against President William Ruto, accusing his administration of committing crimes against humanity. The opposition coalition, led by prominent figures including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper Democratic Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and others, alleges that Ruto’s government has orchestrated extrajudicial killings, abductions, and unlawful police crackdowns on unarmed civilians during recent protests.

The opposition’s accusations center on what they describe as a systematic campaign of violence by the Kenya Kwanza administration to suppress dissent. In a strongly worded joint statement, the coalition condemned the “brazen shooting of unarmed citizens” during peaceful protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District on June 17, 2025. They claim the National Police Service (NPS) has transformed into a “death squad in uniform,” acting as “judge, jury, and executioner” under a “paranoid and repressive regime.”

The statement, signed by leaders including Martha Karua, Justin Muturi, Eugene Wamalwa, Mukhisa Kituyi, and Saitoti Torome, highlighted several specific grievances:

• Extrajudicial Killings and Abductions: The opposition alleges rampant extrajudicial killings and abductions, citing the death of digital activist and teacher Albert Ojwang as a key example. They claim police commanders committed perjury during parliamentary investigations into Ojwang’s killing.

• Use of Rogue Police Units: The coalition accuses the government of deploying rogue police units and forming Haiti-style militia gangs to terrorize civilians, drawing parallels to tactics used by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF). They question the similarity between firearms used by Kenyan police and those allegedly supplied by the Kenyan government to the RSF.

• Violations of the Constitution and International Law: The opposition argues that Ruto’s administration has consistently violated Kenya’s 2010 Constitution and international laws, including the Rome Statute, which Kenya ratified, establishing the ICC.

“It is clear the Ruto regime has waged war against fundamental human rights with calculated vengeance,” the statement read. “These death squads are using special firearms that Ruto has also illegally supplied to Sudan’s RSF militia. These acts have resulted in countless deaths both in Kenya and Sudan.”

The United Opposition has revealed that it is actively compiling evidence to present to the ICC Prosecutor, seeking international intervention to hold President Ruto accountable. “We have been collecting evidence, and our teams are currently compiling the same to hand over to the ICC Prosecutor. Mr. Ruto must answer for his crimes against humanity,” the coalition stated.

The opposition expressed skepticism about achieving justice through local institutions, citing a lack of independence in bodies like the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). They argue that only international intervention can address the alleged human rights violations.

The accusations stem from a wave of protests in Nairobi, particularly on June 17, 2025, where demonstrators faced violent police crackdowns. The opposition highlighted several concerning police tactics, including:

• Officers wearing masks and lacking identifiable badge numbers.

• Use of live ammunition against unarmed protesters.

• Alleged police involvement in looting private property during protests.

These protests, described as peaceful by the opposition, were met with what they call “state-sponsored brutality,” including the shooting of unarmed citizens. The coalition also condemned the emergence of militia groups, which they claim operate in collaboration with the police, terrorizing protesters and civilians alike.

This is not the first time President Ruto has faced scrutiny from the ICC. In 2011, he was charged with crimes against humanity related to the 2007-2008 post-election violence in Kenya, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and displaced more than 500,000 people. Ruto, along with broadcaster Joshua Arap Sang, was accused of orchestrating attacks as indirect co-perpetrators. However, the case was terminated in April 2016 due to insufficient evidence and allegations of witness tampering.

The current allegations revive concerns about impunity in Kenya, with the opposition arguing that Ruto’s administration continues to undermine democratic safeguards and human rights.

The opposition’s announcement has sparked significant discussion on platforms like X, where sentiments reflect public concern over alleged police brutality. Posts on X indicate that over 50,000 petitions from Kenyans accusing Ruto of crimes against humanity, including abductions, have been submitted to the ICC. Additionally, 25 Kenyan lawmakers have called for an independent commission to investigate these abductions, signaling growing domestic pressure.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has also weighed in, labeling the shootings and abductions during protests as crimes against humanity and calling for Ruto to face ICC scrutiny.

President Ruto has previously denied allegations of extrajudicial killings, stating in June 2024 that his government is committed to upholding the law and that no such incidents have occurred under his administration. However, his recent State of the Nation address on November 21, 2024, appeared to shift tone, condemning extrajudicial killings and illegal arrests as threats to citizens’ lives and liberties. Critics, including human rights advocates, have called these remarks contradictory to the government’s actions during protests.

In their statement, the United Opposition urged Kenyans to remain united and resilient in the face of what they describe as Ruto’s “terror tactics” aimed at silencing dissent. “To the Kenyan people: do not be afraid and intimidated. Ruto’s terror tactics are meant to silence, divide, and demoralize us. But history has taught us that no regime can sustain itself on bullets and lies,” they declared.

The coalition emphasized the courage of victims like Albert Ojwang, vowing that their sacrifices will not be in vain. They called for solidarity among Kenyans to resist oppression and uphold the will of the people.

The opposition’s move to the ICC marks a significant escalation in Kenya’s political landscape, potentially straining relations between the government and opposition factions. The ICC’s response to the submitted evidence remains uncertain, given the court’s history of challenges in Kenyan cases, including witness tampering and lack of cooperation from the Kenyan government.

As the situation develops, all eyes will be on The Hague and whether the ICC will take up the case against President Ruto. Meanwhile, the opposition’s call for international justice underscores deep divisions in Kenya’s political arena and a growing demand for accountability for alleged human rights abuses.

Stay informed with the latest updates on this developing story.