In Kenya, chaos has become commonplace as Finance Bill protests turn deadly. There are reports of indiscriminate shootings at unarmed protesters, resulting in multiple injuries and deaths.Just yesterday, protesters were shot dead by police outside Parliament, and others in Githurai during the night.
Additionally, popular activists such as Gabriel Oguda who are vocal about the anti-Finance Bill movement on social media are getting abducted by suspected policemen.
Amidst this chaos, social media is demanding for justice, especially aimed at President William Ruto aka Zakayo.
President Ruto ICC History
Remember, Ruto was once charged by the International Criminal Court (ICC) with four counts of crimes against humanity for his role in the 2007 post-election violence in Kenya. These charges included allegations of murder, deportation or forcible transfer of population, and persecution.
However, in April 2016, ICC judges ended the trial due to a lack of evidence, with the ICC prosecutor citing widespread witness-tampering.
Now, as violence erupts again, Kenyans are wondering- Why is the ICC silent while innocent protesters suffer?
Why Ruto is Immune from ICC Prosecution
Turns out, Ruto is immune from prosecution by international courts such as the ICC because he signed the Malabo Protocol Act in 2023. The act establishes the African Court of Justice and Human Rights, which grants immunity to sitting heads of state from international courts. This move, aimed at promoting regional justice, unfortunately shields Ruto from prosecution for crimes like those alleged during these protests.
Some critics initially accused Ruto of using the protocol to shield himself from ICC scrutiny. However, government officials argue it’s about strengthening African justice systems, not avoiding accountability.
By Vivian K.