Vocal Africa wants ICC to put Kenya on watch ahead of 2027 election

In the letter to the Office of the Prosecutor, Vocal Africa stated that Kenya's political, security and human rights spheres are rapidly deteriorating and the situation deserves keen observation.

It argued that the rising tensions are acting as a breeding ground for a dark aftermath of human rights violations and ethnic conflicts.

The lobby group noted that recent political figures have been involved in harsh ethnic incitement, goon mobilisation to disrupt opponents, even highlighting the involvement of police officers in some of the violent incidents.

"Even more alarming is the apparent lack of sufficient will or capacity by security agencies to prevent these attacks, protect victims and pursue those who organise and finance the violence," the letter read in part.

"The warning signs now emerging must not be ignored until lives have been lost."

It blamed state agencies for not taking appropriate action, saying that the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) have equally failed to tame the rising vice.

"These institutions appear useless and impotent at a time when their independence, courage and effectiveness are urgently required," the statement added.

Vocal Africa now wants the ICC to take keen account of organised political violence, ethnic incitement, attacks against civilians and the conduct of State and non-State actors as Kenya's political temperatures rise.

It also wants the ICC to "receive, preserve and analyse credible information concerning acts that may contribute to crimes falling within the jurisdiction of the Court".

The NCIC has summoned leaders linked to making seditious remarks, among them former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, Cabinet Secretaries Aden Duale (Health) and Geoffrey Ruku (Public Service) and others.

Sponsored political violence has also been witnessed across the nation as youthful groups have disrupted political campaigns of members allied to the opposition.

Meanwhile, President William Ruto has assured that his administration will ensure that the 2027 General Election will not be marred by irregularities and violence.

Ruto, who intends to seek re-election, asserted that his government will uphold respect for the rule of law and will not relent in clamping down on individuals endorsing violence and lawlessness.