Azimio Writes to ICC Seeking a Probe Against Inspector General of Police

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition has written to the International Criminal Court (ICC) seeking a probe into police excesses during the coalition’s anti-government protests.

Through lawyer Paul Mwangi, the Raila Odinga-led coalition wants the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to seek the Pre-Trail Chamber authorization to investigate what it termed as a “widespread or systematic attack directed at members of Azimio” by the police from March 20th to April 2nd.

He cited nine issues he wants the ICC prosecutor’s office to probe and that the focus should be directed toward the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome.

“Koome established a special squad of police officers known to be rogue and some being accused persons in criminal courts with the purpose of unleashing terror on supporters of Azimio when they were exercising their constitutional right to assemble, demonstrate, and picket,” Mwangi said in the petition.

The attorney claims members of the alleged squad dressed in plain clothes, operated outside the normal command structure, and took instructions directly from select commanders appointed for that purpose by Koome.

“For the purpose of this Statute, crime against humanity means any of the following acts when committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against any civilian population, with knowledge of the attack,” he adds.

Mwangi also told The Hague-based court that Koome violated the Constitution by usurping powers of the Judiciary and pronouncing a ban against any exercise of the rights under Article 37 by members of the opposition coalition.

He further noted that the inspector general of police publicly threatened some Azimio members with death and physical injury should they attempt to proceed with the demonstrations.