NAIROBI, Kenya – Human rights lobby Vocal Africa has petitioned the International Criminal Court (ICC) to closely monitor Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election, warning that rising political tensions, ethnic incitement and organised violence could trigger serious human rights violations.
In a letter addressed to the Office of the Prosecutor, the organisation said Kenya’s political, security and human rights environment was deteriorating rapidly and warranted increased international scrutiny.
Vocal Africa warned that the growing tensions could create conditions for widespread violence and ethnic conflict as political competition intensifies ahead of the 2027 polls.
The lobby group cited alleged ethnic incitement by political leaders, mobilisation of groups to disrupt opponents and reported involvement of police officers in some violent incidents.
“Even more alarming is the apparent lack of sufficient will or capacity by security agencies to prevent these attacks, protect victims and pursue those who organise and finance the violence,” the organisation said.
It warned that the emerging signs should be addressed before they escalate into loss of life.
“The warning signs now emerging must not be ignored until lives have been lost,” Vocal Africa said.
Lobby questions state agencies
Vocal Africa also criticised several Kenyan institutions responsible for promoting national cohesion, overseeing elections and fighting corruption.
The organisation accused the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) of failing to adequately address what it described as rising political violence and incitement.
“These institutions appear useless and impotent at a time when their independence, courage and effectiveness are urgently required,” the organisation said.
The allegations come against the backdrop of increasing political activity as parties and political leaders position themselves for the 2027 elections.
The NCIC has summoned several political leaders over remarks it considers potentially inflammatory, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku.
ICC asked to preserve evidence
Vocal Africa wants the ICC to pay particular attention to organised political violence, ethnic incitement, attacks against civilians and the conduct of both state and non-state actors as Kenya approaches the election period.
The organisation also asked the international court to “receive, preserve and analyse credible information concerning acts that may contribute to crimes falling within the jurisdiction of the Court”.
The request invokes the ICC’s broader role in addressing serious international crimes, although the court’s jurisdiction is limited to crimes falling within the Rome Statute, including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression.
The ICC has previously investigated Kenya in connection with the violence that followed the 2007-08 presidential election. The cases against senior Kenyan political figures ultimately collapsed, with the court citing issues including witness interference and lack of cooperation.
Political violence raises concern
The latest appeal comes amid claims of politically sponsored violence in different parts of the country, with groups of young people reportedly disrupting political activities involving opposition-linked politicians.
The incidents have heightened concerns among civil society organisations about the potential for political mobilisation to turn violent as the 2027 election approaches.
Kenya’s political history has been marked by election-related violence, most notably following the disputed 2007 presidential election, when more than 1,000 people were killed and hundreds of thousands displaced.
The experience has kept political violence and ethnic mobilisation at the centre of national discussions around electoral preparedness.
Ruto promises peaceful election
President William Ruto has repeatedly pledged that his administration will ensure the 2027 election is conducted peacefully and without irregularities.
Ruto, who is expected to seek a second term, has said his government will uphold the rule of law and take action against individuals promoting violence and lawlessness.
The President’s position contrasts with concerns raised by Vocal Africa, which is calling for closer scrutiny of political actors and security agencies before tensions escalate.
With less than a year remaining before Kenyans return to the ballot, the organisation’s appeal places renewed attention on the country’s preparedness to prevent election-related violence and protect citizens during the political contest.
Whether the ICC will act on the request, and to what extent it can intervene before crimes within its jurisdiction occur, remains to be seen.
