Anti-tax demos: Azimio threatens to move to ICC over human rights abuses

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A Gen Z demonstrator during the anti-Finance Bill demos in Nyeri, June 25, 2024. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

Azimio la Umoja Coalition has threatened to seek the intervention of the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged atrocities committed against demonstrators, stating that police brutality has gone overboard and that culprits need to be brought to justice.

Co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka decried the government’s silence over increased cases of police brutality meted out to protesters since last week.

"We will document every case and perhaps revisit the ICC to discuss the atrocities committed against Kenyans. I want to look William Ruto in the face and tell him to rise above himself and realise he has instruments of power," said Kalonzo.

Kalonzo added that it is time the Kenyan citizenry ‘took back their country.’

“No Kenyan is feeling happy today. I don’t even think William Ruto himself is happy, there’s not been a word since the happenings on Tuesday from the government spokesperson, nor the police spokesperson,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has urged victims of police brutality to visit their offices to receive legal services, including representation in seeking justice.

Speaking after visiting those injured at Kenyatta National Hospital, LSK President Faith Odhiambo stated that the Society would also push the government to compensate the affected persons and cover their medical bills.

"They are all welcome to any of our branches across the country to pursue legal redress," Odhiambo stated.

"We will be filing a petition to have the government ensure police officers are properly dressed and easily identifiable to the public. What we are seeing online is unacceptable. We have civilian police officers who shoot randomly while covered up, including wearing masks. How do we identify them?" she posed.

According to doctors at Kenyatta National Hospital, over 200 casualties were received at the facility in the last two days. Two people died on arrival.

Most of the victims had gunshot wounds, while others were injured by being clobbered or hit by tear gas canisters.