NASA wants ICC to probe killing of protesters

NASA leader Raila Odinga's adviser Salim Lone addresses the media at OKOA Kenya office in Nairobi [File, Standard]

The Opposition has urged the International Criminal Court investigate the Kenyan government for possible crimes against humanity.

The National Super Alliance (NASA) is demanding that the Hague-based court, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and other protection organisations immediately begin collecting evidence to identify atrocities that should be treated as international crimes.

In a statement, NASA chief Raila Odinga’s adviser Salim Lone said security should be a devolved function.

“The devolution of security must be the central plank to end violence against resource-rich but marginalised communities,” he said.

Economic deprivations

 “Kenyans have become more determined than ever to fight for their rights as oppression and economic deprivations intensify from an illegitimate government,” he added.

The coalition urged its supporters to exercise restraint during protests and avoid any actions that could be used as a pretext to perpetrate more killing.

“Every single life needlessly extinguished is unacceptable and the killers must face the harshest penalties the law allows,” the statement partly read.

“But when the killings are ethnically targeted, they are even more heinous and rise to the level of crimes against humanity. As all Kenyans know, these are subject to prosecution by the ICC.” Mr Lone, who was communicating on behalf of NASA principals, said the killings were tearing the country apart.

“There is something profoundly sickening about a nation in which the Government repeatedly undertakes mass killings to keep its citizens intimidated into accepting its undemocratic rule," he said.

He rooted for devolution of more functions to address gross imbalances which he said had sparked secession talk as people explored ways to protect themselves from a 'vicious' state. NASA has repeatedly indicated to its supporters its commitment to a unified Kenyan state as the best means to attain democracy and prosperity but warned that unless people’s suffering and woes are addressed, the demands for secession would continue to mount, the statement added.

Lone also claimed the international community had recognised the current regime’s brutality and withheld its congratulations to President Uhuru Kenyatta after the Supreme Court upheld his re-election elections.

“Uhuru knows that his rule and policies have irrevocably alienated most of the population, and he can only rule by cowing the people into submission,” NASA added.

Warped scheme

Lone said this was part of a warped scheme, by the ruling Jubilee Party to portray the Opposition to Uhuru’s government as being motivated by tribe.

Pockets of violence have occurred in Nyanza and parts of Nairobi during protests where a number of people have been killed and property destroyed.

Citing the mayhem that characterised Raila’s return to the country last Friday and which continued even after Uhuru’s presidential victory was upheld on Monday, NASA called for a thorough investigation.

“Why are police shooting to kill? Why are they even using live bullets on people who pose no threat to police or to anyone else’s life? Instead of Raila’s supporters celebrating his return, police unleashed terror on unarmed civilians who are protesting an illegitimate ruler," Lone said.

NASA explained its struggle for change was inspired by the Constitution.

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