Wamuzi News Ke
In a dramatic escalation of Kenya’s political crisis, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced from Seattle that he has formally launched an international legal offensive against President William Ruto.
Backed by a special investigative team, Gachagua declared his intention to take the matter to the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged state-enabled atrocities. Addressing Kenyan diaspora in Washington state, Gachagua revealed that his team is meticulously documenting what he defined as “killings, displacements, disappearances, and abductions” perpetrated across the country.
The goal: to build a case at The Hague for crimes against humanity. “My team is gathering all evidence necessary to take William Ruto to the ICC,” the DCP party leader told the audience, urging Kenyans abroad to join the cause by amplifying the justice drive.
“We cannot be silent—we must help liberate the country.” Gachagua also highlighted that Ruto’s prior ICC case over the 2007 post-election violence remains inactive—not dismissed—due to key witnesses disappearing. He insists that this new effort ensures witnesses are protected, and evidence preserved to withstand scrutiny.
Context of Crisis.
The backdrop to Gachagua’s declaration is Kenya’s volatile political climate. Recent Saba Saba protests, initially sparked by economic grievances and political discontent, have escalated into deadly unrest.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) confirmed at least 38 deaths and scores more injured nationwide, many due to gunshot wounds. Human rights groups—including the UN and UNICEF—have issued strong condemnations over police brutality, abductions, and reports of armed gangs operating with impunity.
Critics accuse security forces of colluding in extrajudicial actions against dissidents. Gachagua leveraged this climate of fear to justify his appeal: “Kenyans are unable to live freely. That is unacceptable in a democracy.”
He positioned the diaspora community as key allies in building international momentum. Political Fallout & Next StepsGachagua’s Washington declaration signals the evolution of his fight from parliamentary impeachment to international legal action.
He invites global oversight and ICC involvement, warning that unchecked escalation could erode domestic trust and international confidence. With fresh allegations mounting, his move tightens the spotlight on Kenya’s security institutions and executive leadership—particularly given prior calls for an independent inquiry into abductions and state violence.
Observers warn this could mark a turning point: prosecuting a sitting president through international courts—a path Kenya has not walked since the post-election violence saga.
The stakes are high: beyond political retribution, it sets a precedent for accountability across African governance. As Gachagua tours the United States rallying support under his Wantam agenda, all eyes turn to whether the ICC will act—and how Nairobi will respond to combined domestic pressure and international scrutiny.
