Ichung’wah welcomes ICC probe, accuses opposition of sponsoring goonism

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Ichung’wah welcomes ICC probe, accuses opposition of sponsoring goonism

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A raging war of

words has erupted between the ruling coalition and the opposition over calls

for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate political violence in

Kenya and consider criminal proceedings against President William Ruto over

allegations of State-sponsored violence and the use of goons.

National Assembly

Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has, however, turned the accusations against

the opposition, claiming its leaders are sponsoring violence before blaming the

government.

Ichung’wah

welcomed calls for an ICC investigation, insisting such a probe would expose

those responsible for the violence.

Putting up a

strong defence of the Kenya Kwanza administration following sharp criticism

over the political violence witnessed in Homa Bay on Sunday, the lawmaker

accused opposition leaders of sponsoring lawlessness and then shifting the

blame to the government.

“Jambo

lilinishangaza, Martha Karua anasoma statement ameandikiwa, mwenye amesimama

nyuma yake ni James Orengo. James Orengo ndiye anabeba wahuni wamebeba mapanga

vile mliona Homa Bay, so let us also not be hypocrites,” he noted.

Ichung’wah said he

would welcome an ICC investigation, arguing that it would establish the

circumstances surrounding violence witnessed at political events.

He also accused

the opposition of allegedly planning violence and blaming it on the government.

“I want to tell

our brothers and sisters in the opposition, I want to join them in welcoming

ICC to come and investigate that matter of goonism because you’re planning

goonism, then you point at others,” Ichung’wah stated.

Revisiting the

recent Ol Kalou by-election, Ichung’wah also claimed that supporters of his

political side had faced threats and intimidation.

The Kikuyu MP

further criticised what he described as attempts by some political parties in

the Mt. Kenya region to lock out potential candidates and declare the region a

one-party, one-leader political zone.

“Kenya ni nchi ya

vyama mingi na kila mtu ako na uhuru wa kujiunga na chama anataka. Tusiwe na

wengine wanataka kutumia vurugu na vitisho kutisha wengine wasijiunge na vyama

vingine. Kama uko na chama chako, uza sera zako, lakini Kenya ni nchi huru ya

kila mtu kuwa na uhuru wa kujichagulia chaguo la kisiasa,” Ichung’wah stated.

Former Cabinet

Secretary Moses Kuria also weighed in on the political contest, calling on

leaders to protect and consolidate their respective political strongholds.

“Ni wakati wa mtu

kulinda ngome yake na sisi tunataka kulinda ngome yetu. Hata Mheshimiwa Ruku ni

haki yake walinde ngome yao, hatuna shida. Nimenunua power saw, iendelee kata,

kila mtu aangalie manufaa ya watu wao,” Kuria added.

The remarks come

as opposition leaders continue to push for international intervention, arguing

that President Ruto has failed to curb political violence and protect

fundamental freedoms.

Reporting originally appeared via Citizen Digital. Read the full source for additional context.