“IG Koome established a special squad of police officers known to be rogue, some of them had criminal cases in courts with the sole purpose of unleashing terror on supporters of Azimio when they were exercising their constitutional right to assemble, demonstrate, and picket,” lawyer Paul Mwangi said. He also informed the ICC court that Koome contravened the Constitution by usurping the powers of the Judiciary and pronouncing a ban against any exercise of rights under Article 37 by members of the Coalition party
By The Weekly Vision
Top police commanders in areas which Azimio leaders have termed as hot spots are allegedly in panic after it was revealed that Raila Odinga’s team is working on an expanded list of officers who were either directly involved in the brutal suppression of protesters or gave such orders.
Already, the International Criminal Court has confirmed receiving Azimio’s first letter, with sources saying that ICC officers are already in the country. Among the concerns shared by the opposition is alleged police negligence during the raid at Northlands Farm in Ruiru, Kiambu County and the destruction of property at East Africa Spectre, owned by opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Sources say Azimio has been carrying out their investigations identifying individual police officers who opened fire on unarmed demonstrators. According to reports, they are relying on videos and using their intelligence and police connections to identify the officers captured in the videos or photos. The revelation of an expanded list to be sent to the ICC has caused panic in the National Police Service since they will be investigated as an individual and not as NPS.
The ICC lead prosecutor Karim Khan has confirmed the receipt of Azimio’s first letter and is said to have secretly dispatched officers who are already on the ground collecting data and evidence. In his petition, Advocate Paul Mwangi wants the Hague-based court to investigate “the widespread or systematic attack directed at members of Azimio” by the police from March 20, 2023, April 2, 2023, to July 2023.
Advocate Mwangi has singled out nine issues he wants the Office of the Prosecutor ICC to probe and that the focus should be directed towards the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome and his commanders.
“Koome established a special squad of police officers known to be rogue, some of them had criminal cases in courts with the sole purpose of unleashing terror on supporters of Azimio when they were exercising their constitutional right to assemble, demonstrate, and picket,” Mwangi said. Advocate Mwangi has also informed the court that IG Koome contravened the Constitution by usurping the powers of the Judiciary and pronouncing a ban against any exercise of rights under Article 37 by members of the Coalition party. Our sources indicate that top police officers have panicked and are now fearful of being directly involved in any future assignment to counter-demonstrators.
Some of the top-ranking police officers already identified by Azimio as having the biggest responsibility include Nairobi Regional Commander Adamson Bungei, and former Nyanza Regional police commander Karanja Muiruri who was recalled to police headquarters in swift changes. The former Regional Police Commander, Eastern, Noah Mwivanda, Coast Regional Police Commander Manase Musyoka and Western Regional Commander Isaiah Nakoru among others are on the spot.
It is the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) to confirm if the grounds cited by Azimio meet the threshold for the pre-trial chamber to authorize investigations and a determination on whether the matter will move to prosecution.
