Raila Demands ICC To Take Action Against Kenya Police
The coalition accused Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome of using a rogue police unit to target its supporters during the demonstrations.
admin
The Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition has urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to pursue investigations on alleged crimes against humanity by police officers.
In a letter penned by lawyer Paul Mwangi, who is former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's lawyer, the coalition cited police brutality against its members, affiliates, and media during anti-government demonstrations (Maandamano).
The coalition accused Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome of using a rogue police unit to target its supporters during the demonstrations.
Lawyer Paul Mwangi during the hearing of the Presidential petition at the Supreme Court. /THE JUDICIARY
"The squads are reported to be dressed in plain clothes to operate outside the normal command structure and to take direction directly from select commanders appointed for that purpose by Japheth Koome," the letter read in part.
Azimio also told ICC that IG Koome had abrogated the Constitution by banning public demonstrations and arrogating the powers of the Judiciary.
Mwangi also accused the police boss of threatening to injure Azimio supporters during anti-government protests, citing the deaths of nine people during the protests and over 10 others injured.
Also featured in the demands listed in the letter was Raila's attempted assassination, whereby officers skillfully and persistently shot at his car 10 times while participating in the peaceful demonstrations at the Pipeline area in Nairobi between 2 pm and 3 pm.
"A report of the attack was made the next day and a complaint lodged the same day but no action was taken," the letter stated.
The letter also captured the raid on Northlands Farm in Ruiru, Kiambu County, associated with former President Uhuru Kenyatta and the destruction of property at East Africa Spectre Limited, a gas company belonging to the family of Raila, as well as eight journalists allegedly attacked during the protests.
Azimio further pointed a finger at Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in the letter, accusing him of treating the Azimio members like trash.
"This communication states that there exists a deliberate policy by the Kenya Kwanza coalition leadership both within and outside government to alienate members of Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition party from Kenya’s economic and political life and to execute physical attacks on any members of the Azimio coalition who expresses any dissent thereto which are intended to or in any case prevent the said members from enjoying human rights and fundamental freedoms recognised under International Law," the letter further read.
Raila also demanded an inquiry into the political situation in Kenya, accusing President William Ruto of disdain for the Constitution and Laws of Kenya as well as contempt for democracy and its institutions.
His letter came a day after he remained firm on his vow to table the matter of police brutality to what he termed as the highest court in the world while expressing his outrage at the police force after he visited protesters recuperating in city hospitals after being shot by police during the demonstrations.
"We have said that as Azimio, we are going to take this matter to the highest court in the world. Already our lawyers are working on this and we are going to take the particulars of all those police officers who have been involved in the deliberate shooting and killing or maiming of innocent Kenyans to a court which is outside our jurisdiction as a people to ensure that justice is achieved," he revealed during an address to his supporters at Ufangamano House on Thursday, April 13.
![How Gor Mahia Beat Murang'a Seals Despite Second Half Scare [PHOTOS]](https://viraltea.co.ke/uploads/images/202405/image_140x98_663793954bc76.jpg){kind=small}
