Raila Should Be Sent To ICC Instead- Gachagua In Response To Letter

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, on Saturday, April 15 shrugged off former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's letter to the International Criminal Court (ICC) calling for investigations on alleged crimes against humanity by police officers upon orders by the government.

The DP who addressed a political gathering in Nyandarua County advocated for Raila to be sent to the Hague-based court in the Netherlands for the destruction of property in the country as well as loss of lives.

He countered by daring the Azimio la Umoja party leader to stage demonstrations after the Ramadhan period as he had previously threatened.

"In fact, the people who should be taken to ICC are those Azimio characters who have destroyed the life and property of the people of Kenya," Gachagua replied.

Gachagua turned to Inspector General of Police, Japhet Koome, urging him to carry out his duties without fear or favour, hours after the coalition in the letter accused him of using a rogue police unit to target its supporters during the demonstrations.

'I see they want to intimidate the IG, but I ask you to continue doing your job professionally. Had they not come to the streets, there would have been no issue between the police and the demonstrators. So let them keep their people at home.

"IG if those people come to the street, do your job in accordance with the Constitution of Kenya. Protect the life and property of Kenyans," he stated.

Gachagua further reiterated that the government would not be blackmailed into a power-sharing deal, in response to a letter that was drafted by Raila's lawyer Paul Mwangi.

"We are not like the previous government that agreed to the handshake. We are stronger," Gachagua, who was in Nyandarua County to oversee the planting of over 10,000 trees to save Ol Bolossat Lake, stated.

In the letter, the coalition cited police brutality against its members, affiliates, and media during anti-government demonstrations (Maandamano).

"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.