By Taifa Bulletin
A coalition of opposition political parties and movements has called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to closely monitor alleged political violence in Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The United Alternative Government of Kenya and the Linda Mwananchi Movement made the demand in a joint statement issued on Wednesday, arguing that recent political confrontations should be examined amid growing concerns about the conduct of politics ahead of the next General Election.
The coalition wants the Office of the Prosecutor at the ICC to conduct a preliminary assessment to determine whether the alleged incidents meet the threshold for examination under the Rome Statute.
The groups have also called on the ICC to consider an investigation if evidence establishes that widespread or systematic attacks against civilians are being organised, financed, directed or tolerated by people in positions of authority.
Focus on those with greatest responsibility
In their statement, the opposition groups specifically mentioned President William Ruto and called on the ICC Prosecutor to focus on what they described as the person bearing the greatest responsibility if evidence of crimes within the court’s jurisdiction emerges.
The coalition’s demands remain allegations and would require independent investigation and evidence before any conclusions could be reached.
The call comes against a backdrop of increasing political tensions as various parties and movements begin positioning themselves for the 2027 election.
The opposition groups argue that recent confrontations involving political actors and their supporters should not be treated as isolated incidents, but should instead be examined for any wider pattern.
Concerns ahead of 2027
Political violence remains one of the major concerns surrounding Kenya’s electoral politics, given the country’s history of election-related unrest.
With political activity already increasing ahead of 2027, opposition leaders have repeatedly called for stronger safeguards to protect citizens and ensure that political competition does not degenerate into violence.
The coalition’s appeal to the ICC is therefore likely to intensify the debate over Kenya’s political environment and the responsibility of state and political actors to maintain peace during the electoral period.
The groups are asking the ICC Prosecutor to use the powers provided under Article 15 of the Rome Statute to assess the information presented and determine whether further action is warranted.
Government yet to face an ICC investigation
The opposition’s demand does not itself amount to the opening of an ICC investigation. Any action by the court would depend on its own assessment of the information and whether the legal requirements under the Rome Statute are met.
The ICC has previously been involved in Kenya following the 2007–08 post-election violence, although the cases arising from that period eventually collapsed amid challenges involving witnesses and evidence.
The latest demands therefore revive questions about Kenya’s political environment and whether lessons from previous electoral cycles have been sufficiently addressed.
As the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election, political parties are expected to intensify their campaigns and coalition-building efforts.
The opposition’s appeal to the ICC is likely to become part of the wider political debate over election security, accountability and the protection of civilians.
With more than a year remaining before the 2027 polls, the growing political activity suggests that the contest is already beginning to take shape.
