The civil societies in Kenya have called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate the atrocities committed against the citizens of Tanzania following last month’s disputed presidential election.
Led by Kenya Human Rights Commission Executive Director Denis Malombe, the civil societies expressed reservation over the national reconciliation mechanism set by President Samia Suluhu Hassan terming it a cover-up for atrocities committed against the citizens.
Speaking in Bondo where they visited the grave of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Malombe said the proposed mechanism has no capacity to investigate atrocities committed by a sitting Head of State and therefore urged ICC to intervene to ensure accountability.
“We are calling for truth justice and accountability and as actors we have refused these mechanisms she is proposing which are part of a whitewash and cover-up,” said Malombe.
Malombe who was flanked by his Transparency International Kenya (T.I)and The Institute for Social Accountability (TISA) counterparts said Kenyans were not involved in protest that broke out in Tanzania adding that the protesters were Tanzania citizens who are tired of dictatorship and bad governance.
He on the other hand lauded the protestors for showing courage by standing against autocracy and bad governance in the region.
“We celebrate them for being courageous and standing against autocracy in the region, ” said Malombe.
Diana Gishengo executive director TISA revealed that the Kenya civil society has written to Africa Human Rights Mechanism to add its voice on atrocities committed against the citizens of Tanzania.
On her part, Sheila Malombe, Executive Director T.I Kenya assured that the civil society shall keep up with the legacy of Raila Odinga for 3rd liberation both in the country and in the East African region.
The civil society groups from Nairobi, Vihiga ,Kisumu and Siaya Counties were joined by former anti-corruption czar John Githongo who paid homage to Raila Odinga as a champion of democracy, human rights and social justice describing him as the center of gravity of Kenyan politics, whose legacy will leave on.
By Brian Ondeng
