United Alternative Government and Linda Mwananchi Call for ICC Scrutiny Over Rising Political Violence Ahead of 2027 Polls
NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 19 – The United Alternative Government leaders have called for urgent action to curb rising political violence in Kenya, warning that recent incidents could undermine preparations for a peaceful, free and credible 2027 General Election.
In a joint press address in Nairobi on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, the United Alternative Government of Kenya and the Linda Mwananchi Movement said a series of attacks involving political leaders, journalists, citizens and police officers pointed to a disturbing pattern that required independent investigation.
Their statement cited reported attacks involving former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Rongai Constituency, Nakuru County, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i at Mulot in Bomet County, and violence surrounding Linda Mwananchi activities in Homa Bay and Keumbu in Kisii County.
The leaders, who include Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, Jubilee Party’s Fred Matiang’i, Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, United Green Movement leader David Maraga, Linda Mwananchi Movement leader James Orengo, Azimio Secretary General Caroli Omondi and Umoja Na Maendeleo Party leader James Kilonzi, expressed particular concern over reports that some of the incidents occurred in the presence or within the operational reach of police officers.
“The Government must explain how organised groups of armed civilians can repeatedly mobilise, move openly, attack political leaders, journalists, citizens and even police officers, and apparently operate with such confidence,” the statement said.
The coalition urged Kenyans to reject political violence regardless of the perpetrators or political interests involved.
It also called on religious leaders, civil society organisations, lawyers, professional bodies, the media, youth organisations and the international diplomatic community to defend constitutional freedoms and oppose attempts to normalise intimidation, militia activity and politically sponsored violence.
The leaders further urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to work with relevant institutions to ensure that Kenyans can campaign and vote freely and peacefully.
The statement also appealed to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to closely monitor developments in Kenya and undertake a preliminary assessment of whether credible information exists that could warrant examination under the Rome Statute.
The leaders said that if evidence emerged of widespread or systematic attacks against civilians being organised, financed, directed or tolerated by people in positions of authority, the ICC Prosecutor should consider exercising powers under Article 15 of the Rome Statute.
They specifically called for scrutiny of President William Ruto, whom they accused of bearing the greatest responsibility for alleged political violence.
The statement, however, stressed that the call was not intended to prejudge the criminal responsibility of any individual.
“Accountability is one of the strongest deterrents against political violence, and Kenya must never again descend into the circumstances that once attracted the attention of the International Criminal Court,” the leaders said.
They warned that political office should not shield anyone from international criminal accountability where the legal threshold under the Rome Statute is met.
The coalition said the 2027 election must be based on political ideas and democratic competition rather than intimidation and violence.”No Kenyan should lose their life, their liberty or their livelihood because of politics,” the statement said, while also calling for the protection of journalists, police officers and citizens exercising their constitutional rights.
The leaders further announced plans to mobilise Kenyans to establish a People’s Forum for Electoral Preparedness, which will be coordinated by former Chief Justice David Maraga, former Attorney General Justin Muturi and Azimio Secretary General Caroli Omondi.
The forum is scheduled for October 9, 2026, and is intended to strengthen public preparedness and safeguard the democratic process ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“The future of Kenya will not be determined by militias or fear. It will be determined by the sovereign will of the people,” the leaders said.
