Ichung’wah welcomes ICC probe, accuses opposition of sponsoring goonism

A raging war of words has erupted between the ruling coalition and the opposition over calls for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate political violence in Kenya and consider criminal proceedings against President William Ruto over allegations of State-sponsored violence and the use of goons.

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has, however, turned the accusations against the opposition, claiming its leaders are sponsoring violence before blaming the government.

Ichung’wah welcomed calls for an ICC investigation, insisting such a probe would expose those responsible for the violence.

Putting up a strong defence of the Kenya Kwanza administration following sharp criticism over the political violence witnessed in Homa Bay on Sunday, the lawmaker accused opposition leaders of sponsoring lawlessness and then shifting the blame to the government.

Ichung’wah was responding to calls by opposition leaders for the ICC to investigate President Ruto over the rising cases of political violence and allegations of goonism.

“Jambo lilinishangaza, Martha Karua anasoma statement ameandikiwa, mwenye amesimama nyuma yake ni James Orengo. James Orengo ndiye anabeba wahuni wamebeba mapanga vile mliona Homa Bay, so let us also not be hypocrites,” he noted. 

Ichung’wah said he would welcome an ICC investigation, arguing that it would establish the circumstances surrounding violence witnessed at political events.

He also accused the opposition of allegedly planning violence and blaming it on the government.

“I want to tell our brothers and sisters in the opposition, I want to join them in welcoming ICC to come and investigate that matter of goonism because you’re planning goonism, then you point at others,” Ichung’wah stated.

Revisiting the recent Ol Kalou by-election, Ichung’wah also claimed that supporters of his political side had faced threats and intimidation.

The Kikuyu MP further criticised what he described as attempts by some political parties in the Mt. Kenya region to lock out potential candidates and declare the region a one-party, one-leader political zone.

“Kenya ni nchi ya vyama mingi na kila mtu ako na uhuru wa kujiunga na chama anataka. Tusiwe na wengine wanataka kutumia vurugu na vitisho kutisha wengine wasijiunge na vyama vingine. Kama uko na chama chako, uza sera zako, lakini Kenya ni nchi huru ya kila mtu kuwa na uhuru wa kujichagulia chaguo la kisiasa,” Ichung’wah stated.

Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria also weighed in on the political contest, calling on leaders to protect and consolidate their respective political strongholds.

“Ni wakati wa mtu kulinda ngome yake na sisi tunataka kulinda ngome yetu. Hata Mheshimiwa Ruku ni haki yake walinde ngome yao, hatuna shida. Nimenunua power saw, iendelee kata, kila mtu aangalie manufaa ya watu wao,” Kuria added. 

The remarks come as opposition leaders continue to push for international intervention, arguing that President Ruto has failed to curb political violence and protect fundamental freedoms.