Calls for international scrutiny of Kenya's political scene have intensified after United Opposition leaders asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to examine President William Ruto over alleged violence targeting opposition politicians during political rallies.
People's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, speaking on behalf of the United Opposition on Thursday, said recent attacks raised questions about the government's ability to prevent political violence and protect people taking part in political activities.
Karua asked the Chief Prosecutor at the ICC to closely follow developments in Kenya and determine whether the reported incidents provide enough grounds for an examination.
She also wants the court to revisit the case previously brought against Ruto and establish whether there is a basis to reopen it based on new information.
"We call on the ICC prosecutor to closely monitor developments in Kenya and assess whether credible information warrants an examination," she explained.
Karua said the ICC should take a closer look if evidence points to attacks on civilians being carried out through organised efforts, funded or directed by people in authority, or allowed to happen by those responsible for protecting citizens.
"Should evidence emerge of widespread or systematic attacks against civilians being organized, financed, directed or tolerated by those in authority, we urge the prosecutor to investigate President Ruto, a former ICC inductee, and review the status of previous charges against him."
The opposition leader's call comes as political parties and leaders prepare for the 2027 General Election, with Karua warning against the use of violence to silence political rivals or keep people away from political gatherings.
She also called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure that the next elections are conducted in a transparent and credible manner and that the wishes of voters are respected.
Karua urged Kenyans to reject violence regardless of the political group behind it, saying the responsibility of protecting democracy extends beyond politicians and state institutions.
"The protection of democracy cannot be left to citizens and political leaders alone; it is the responsibility of every Kenyan. We therefore call on all Kenyans to reject political violence in all its forms, regardless of who perpetrates it or who claims to benefit from it," she added.
She said political participation should not be restricted through threats, attacks or the presence of armed groups, insisting that Kenyans must be free to campaign, attend rallies and cast their votes without fear.
"No citizen should be denied the right to campaign, assemble or vote because armed militia have been unleashed upon them. The 2027 elections must be a contest of ideas, not intimidation; a contest of ballots, not bullets."
The latest demand also brings attention to Ruto's earlier case at the ICC, where he faced charges linked to the violence that followed the 2007/08 post-election crisis.
In 2013, the court charged Ruto with three counts of crimes against humanity, namely murder, deportation or forcible transfer of population and persecution.
The charges were connected to the post-election violence that followed the disputed 2007 elections.
In 2016, the ICC brought the case to an end after finding that there was not enough evidence to continue with the prosecution. The lead prosecutor had also raised claims of widespread interference with witnesses.
Despite the termination of the case, the ICC indicated that it could be reopened if fresh evidence became available.
Karua is now asking the court to consider the latest developments and determine whether the threshold for further action has been met.