You risk going to ICC over killing of protesters, Kalonzo warns police boss

Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka has said Azimio is planning to institute a criminal case against the Inspector General of Police at the International Criminal Court (ICC) over the killing of supporters during peaceful demonstrations.

Kalonzo explained that the ICC holds individuals bearing the highest responsibility over institutions and so the Inspector General is responsible for the actions of the National Police Service.

He noted that Azimio has been holding peaceful demonstrations and meetings across the country but whenever police disrupt, it turns chaotic.

The Wiper leader, who was speaking at Full Gospel Churches of Kenya in Mwingi on Sunday, narrated the journey of the opposition and concessions they have made during talks with Kenya Kwanza to avert the crisis.

"I want to remind the Inspector General of police that Kenya is under the ICC. There is a higher court and the rules of engagement are very clear," Kalonzo said.

Leaders accompanying Kalonzo vowed to engage in demonstrations planned for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday until the Kenya Kwanza government listens to the cries of Kenyans and lowers the cost of living.

But, Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi told the Wiper leader to shun the demonstrations called by Azimio leader Raila Odinga.

Mwangagi said that there were better ways of critiquing the government without having to hold demonstrations which in most cases would turn violent.

"We as leaders have been given a mandate to guide our people, it cannot be every time we agree to disagree then we go back to the streets. Kenyans want services and not to be disturbed in the demonstrations when they are busy trying to make a living," said Mwangangi in an interview with The Standard.

The deputy governor noted that goons take advantage of protests to loot and disrupt people going about their lives.

"The elected Azimio MPs had their time to oppose the Finance Act 2023 in the National Assembly, they also had an opportunity to propose amendment in the House, now some of them are the ones in support of the demonstrations, which is not right. We should learn to accept defeat and make genuine contributions," said Mwangangi.

He asked Kalonzo to avoid any talk that would lead to street protests.

Mwangangi said that the role of the opposition was to positively challenge the sitting government with the aim of improving the living standards of the Kenyans and not a vendetta.

Meanwhile, Ukambani MPs, Mwala's Vincent Musyoka Kawaya, Mwengi Mutuse (Kibwezi West), Nimrod Mbai (Kitui East) and Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda have warned Azimio supporters against engaging in protests in the region.

Addressing the media at Parliament on Monday, the leaders called for action against Azimio leaders who were behind Mlolongo and Kitengela protests that led to the destruction of property.

jngetich@standardmedia.co.ke