By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Opposition alliance in Kenya, Azimio, has written an International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor, asking him to launch a probe on the Inspector General of Police in the country, Japhet Koome for illegally placing a ban on peaceful protests, threatening violence against demonstrators, including death threats.
The alliance accused the police chief of ordering attacks on its supporters during anti-government protests that has since been suspended by the leader, Raila Odinga after an appeal from President William Ruto, opting for a dialogue.
Thousands joined in three marches held over two weeks last month. The protests, in part spurred by accusations of fraud in last August’ s presidential election, were all marred by violence.
Koome did not immediately respond to phone calls and messages seeking comment on the opposition’s request for a probe, Reuters reports.
“Kenya… has neglected, failed and or refused to take the requisite steps to prosecute this matter and ensure that the perpetrator is brought to justice,” Paul Mwangi, the alliance’s lawyer, said in a letter to ICC’S Office of the Prosecutor.
The Kenyan government has previously said police officers are prohibited from using live bullets during protests and should only respond with force when there is threat to life and property.
Kenya has had cases at the International Criminal Court stemming from 2007-2008 post-election violence in which more than 1,200 people died.
The cases, including one against Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta did not see a single conviction.
