Opposition leaders have called for international scrutiny of rising political violence in Kenya, asking the International Criminal Court (ICC) to assess whether recent attacks could amount to a wider pattern of politically organised violence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a statement issued in Nairobi on August 19, the leaders cited attacks involving former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Rongai, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i in Mulot and violence reported during Linda Mwananchi activities in Homa Bay and Keumbu in Kisii.
They said the incidents should not be treated as isolated clashes between supporters of rival political camps, arguing that the pattern raised questions about the preparedness of the country’s security agencies to protect political freedoms ahead of the elections.
“These incidents require independent investigation,” the leaders said, raising particular concern over reports that some of the attacks happened in the presence or within the operational reach of police officers.
The leaders questioned how groups of armed civilians could organise and move openly while attacking political leaders, journalists, members of the public and, in some cases, police officers.
They called on the Government to explain what action had been taken against those behind the attacks and whether security agencies had failed to prevent the violence.
The statement was signed by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, Jubilee Party presidential hopeful Fred Matiang’i, former Attorney-General Justin Muturi, DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, former Chief Justice David Maraga, Linda Mwananchi leader James Orengo, Azimio Secretary-General Caroli Omondi and Umoja Na Maendeleo Party leader James Kilonzi.
The leaders also called on Kenyans to reject political violence regardless of which side was responsible.
“We therefore call upon all Kenyans to reject political violence in every form, regardless of who perpetrates it or who claims to benefit from it,” they said.
They urged religious leaders, civil society organisations, lawyers, professional bodies, the media and youth groups to take a more active role in defending constitutional rights and opposing political intimidation.
The leaders also turned their attention to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, calling on the electoral agency to work with other institutions to ensure Kenyans can participate in the 2027 election without fear.
“We further call upon the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), to work closely with all relevant institutions to ensure that every Kenyan can vote freely, peacefully and without fear,” they said.
The most significant demand in the statement was directed at the ICC, with the leaders asking the office of Prosecutor Karim Khan to closely monitor developments in Kenya and conduct a preliminary assessment of whether information emerging from the country warrants further action under the Rome Statute.
They said any such assessment should establish whether there was credible evidence of widespread or systematic attacks against civilians and whether such attacks were being organised, financed, directed or tolerated by people in positions of authority.
The leaders specifically named President William Ruto, calling on the ICC to consider whether he bears responsibility if evidence of organised violence emerges.
The statement, however, stressed that the call for international scrutiny was not intended to establish the guilt of any individual before investigations are conducted.
“This call is not made lightly, nor is it intended to prejudge the criminal responsibility of any individual,” they said.
They argued that accountability was necessary to discourage political violence and prevent Kenya from returning to the circumstances that previously attracted the attention of the ICC following the 2007-08 post-election violence.
The leaders said political office should not shield anyone from accountability where the legal requirements for international criminal responsibility are met.
Their warning comes as political activity begins to intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, with opposition parties and political movements stepping up mobilisation across the country.
The statement also placed the leaders firmly on the side of peaceful political competition, saying Kenyans should be allowed to campaign, assemble and vote without intimidation.
“No Kenyan should lose their life, their liberty or their livelihood because of politics,” they said.
“No journalist should fear death for carrying a camera.”
The leaders also condemned attacks on police officers and civilians, saying security personnel should uphold the Constitution rather than serve political interests.
The statement ended with a call for the formation of a People’s Forum for Electoral Preparedness, which they said would be coordinated by Mr Maraga, Mr Muturi and Mr Omondi.
The forum is scheduled to be launched on October 9, 2026.
The opposition leaders framed the initiative as part of efforts to prepare Kenyans for the 2027 election and ensure that political competition is based on ideas rather than violence.
“The 2027 General Election must be a contest of ideas, not intimidation; ballots, not bullets; democracy, not violence,” they said.
The intervention places political violence at the centre of the opposition's campaign ahead of 2027, while putting pressure on the Government, security agencies and electoral officials to demonstrate that the country is prepared to hold a peaceful and credible election.
The leaders said the choice facing Kenya was ultimately between fear and the free exercise of the people's democratic rights.
“The future of Kenya will not be determined by militias or fear. It will be determined by the sovereign will of the people,” they said.
