Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAPK) leader Eugene Wamalwa have filed a lawsuit against President William Ruto at the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing him of overseeing the abduction and torture of Kenyans.
The two opposition leaders made the announcement during a rally in Kitengela on Sunday, September 29, signaling their intent to pursue justice both locally and internationally.
The leaders’ legal action is driven by what they describe as gross human rights violations by the Ruto-led administration, particularly in response to the widespread protests against the Finance Bill 2024. Kalonzo and Wamalwa argue that the government’s heavy-handed response to these protests has resulted in numerous cases of abductions and torture, with many victims being youth.
Eugene Wamalwa emphasized that they will not limit their fight for justice to Kenyan courts but will also escalate the case to international forums.
“We are going to pursue this matter, not just locally but we are also in the process of pursuing this matter internationally. Our lawyer Paul Mwangi has initiated proceedings at the ICC, and we will continue to seek justice on all fronts,” Wamalwa stated during the event.
This legal step comes after months of growing unrest in Kenya, with many opposition figures accusing the government of suppressing dissent and violating citizens’ constitutional rights. Wamalwa and Kalonzo view the ICC as an avenue to ensure accountability, especially given the international attention Kenya has received regarding police brutality and state-sanctioned violence.
Kalonzo Musyoka specifically criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration for targeting young protesters during demonstrations against the Finance Bill, which has sparked widespread outrage due to its tax provisions.
“We will go to court in November to follow up for justice for the 75 victims of police brutality of the Finance Bill 2024,” Kalonzo declared, highlighting the significant number of protestors who have allegedly suffered under the current regime.
