Mudavadi rejects ICC calls as political violence rises
National
By
Mike Kihaki
| Aug 24, 2026
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has rejected calls for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to intervene in Kenya amid growing concerns over political violence ahead of the 2027 General Election, Mudavadi argued that the country has functioning institutions capable of dealing with crimes arising from political confrontations.
He said Kenya should first rely on its security, investigative and judicial institutions before considering international intervention, describing the ICC as a court of last resort.
“I don't want Kenya or any Kenyan to be subjected to ICC, that is usually a Court of last resort. What we are experiencing has not met the threshold of ICC,” Mudavadi said in a television interview.
His remarks come amid heightened political activity as parties and political leaders begin positioning themselves for the 2027 elections.
Opposition figures have called for greater international scrutiny, including the presence of ICC observers, citing incidents of violence and confrontations at political gatherings.
Mudavadi, however, questioned whether those raising concerns had exhausted Kenya's own legal mechanisms.
“We haven't met the threshold for us to call the ICC here. The opposition is politicising these issues. Have they reported these cases to the authorities, and have they exhausted our legal remedies?” he asked.
The debate over international intervention carries historical significance in Kenya. The country has previously faced ICC scrutiny over the violence that followed the disputed 2007 presidential election.
More than 1,000 people were killed and hundreds of thousands displaced in the post-election violence, leading to cases against several prominent Kenyans at the ICC.
The cases ultimately collapsed, but the experience remains an important reference point whenever political tensions rise.
Mudavadi's position is that Kenya should not repeat a cycle in which political disputes quickly become internationalised without first allowing domestic institutions to investigate and prosecute wrongdoing.
At the same time, he acknowledged the need for firm action against individuals who violate the law. He called for legal action against political leaders and other individuals accused of inciting violence or disrupting political rallies, warning that such conduct should not be tolerated.
Political leaders have a responsibility to campaign peacefully, while security agencies and the justice system are expected to investigate allegations impartially and protect citizens regardless of political affiliation. Failure to do so could deepen public mistrust and increase calls for external oversight.
Mudavadi also linked the preservation of peace to broader questions of national unity and social cohesion. During an engagement with Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Most Rev. Jackson Ole Sapit, he emphasised the role of religious leaders in preventing divisions and encouraging dialogue.
“Strong nations are built not only by institutions, but by the values that hold their people together,” Mudavadi said.
He added that faith leaders remain important voices for dialogue, service and moral leadership, arguing that constructive engagement between government and religious institutions could help bridge political and social differences.
“When Government and the Church engage constructively, we strengthen communities, bridge differences and keep Kenya united around the common good,” he said.
Mudavadi's comments come as the political temperature gradually rises ahead of the 2027 contest. While he dismissed calls for ICC involvement, his call for prosecution of those accused of incitement underscores the importance of preventing political rhetoric from escalating into violence.
He also expressed confidence that President William Ruto will win the 2027 election, citing government development projects and initiatives across the country as the basis for his optimism.