CJ Koome wants financiers of goonism prosecuted at the ICC

Speaking at Kieganguru, Maara Constituency, while presiding over the opening of the Maara law courts, CJ Koome urged police to focus more on arresting the financiers of the goons taking over political meetings, saying the problem will only be solved by addressing the root cause.

According to CJ Koome, the police have focused on the symptom by arresting the goons sent to execute the task.

"When we keep arresting the small people with petty crimes of causing disorder, the law allows us to release them on bail and bond," he stated.

"But when you bring the organiser of these serious crimes, they will be charged under the Serious Crimes Act. We have gazetted the Serious Crimes Division of the High Court to support the magistrates dealing with serious crimes."

She argued that organised violence and intimidation by hired gangs should be addressed under international law, where such acts meet the threshold for crimes under the Rome Statute.

"Let us look at the root cause of the problem. What is the root cause of goonism in this country? We address the causes, rehabilitate our young people, get them gainful employment and resolve the problem," she noted.

"Those organisers of goonism will go to hell; we curse them. If they don't go to prison, they will meet God's justice because organised crime is a serious crime. The last time I checked, it's a crime against the Rome Statute and against humanity. People get charged with organised crime in the International Criminal Court."

The police service has been under scrutiny regarding goons, with incessant calls for the financiers to be brought to book.

On Tuesday, CJ Koome and the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohammed Amin differed on how to handle the goons during a National Council for Administrative Justice meeting

Koome faulted the police for failing to pursue individuals financing and sustaining criminal gangs, while at the same time Amin shifted the blame to the Judiciary, accusing courts of undermining efforts to contain criminal gangs by releasing suspects on minimal bond terms.

"We are calling upon the Judiciary to expedite the prosecution and trial of all gang-related offences. We have taken note that frequent release of suspects on minimal bond undermines deterrence and allows repeat offenders to return to the streets to the battlefield to continue perpetuating their activities," Amin said.