Three Members of Parliament (MPs) are threatening to take legal action against Kenya’s Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. They accuse Kindiki of ordering the police to use excessive force against demonstrators during protests against the high cost of living. The MPs leading the demonstrations are Ong’ondo Were from Kasipul, Lilian Gogo from Rangwe, and Joyce Osogo, the Woman Representative of Homa Bay County.
The protests, organized by leaders of the Azimio La Umoja movement, including Raila Odinga, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, George Wajakoyah, and Kalonzo Musyoka, aimed to challenge the Finance Act 2023, which introduced additional and punitive taxes, and to address the soaring prices of basic commodities. However, the demonstrations turned violent in several parts of the country, resulting in the deaths of at least nine people and numerous injuries. Property was also looted and infrastructure, including the Nairobi Expressway, was vandalized.
The MPs assert that the government’s attempt to suppress the protests is unconstitutional and that the people have a right to express their grievances peacefully. They hold Kindiki responsible for the actions of the police under his command, and they plan to pursue legal action against him at the ICC for the deaths caused during the demonstrations.
During the protests, Ong’ondo Were emphasized the constitutional right of Azimio supporters to express themselves peacefully and warned Kindiki that he would be held accountable for the police’s actions. He urged his supporters to maintain peace and refrain from destroying property.
Lilian Gogo demanded that the government reduce the cost of living for Kenyans, citing heavy taxation imposed by the administration of President William Ruto as a burden on the citizens.
Joyce Osogo echoed the calls for addressing the high cost of living and urged President Ruto to listen to the grievances of Kenyans. She warned that failure to address these issues could lead to further unrest.
The MPs’ threats to take legal action at the ICC highlight their determination to hold Kindiki accountable for alleged police brutality during the protests. They are also demanding that the government address the concerns of the people regarding the cost of living and taxation.