Published on 29/04/2025
Opposition leaders have condemned the violence that broke out in Kilgoris Constituency, Transmara, Narok County, between the residents and police officers over a 6,800-acre piece of land, resulting in the death of five citizens.
In a joint statement signed by People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi, former Public Service CS Justin Muturi, DAP K party leader Eugene Wamalwa and former PS Torome Saitoti, the leaders termed the clashes as a growing pattern of state-sanctioned violence.
The opposition figures claimed that the President William Ruto regime is synonymous with grabbing private land, citing that the incident in Kilgoris mirrors what happened in Mavoko, Nairobi and Ndabibi land disputes.
They vowed to escalate these cases of human rights violations to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to seek justice.
“With Dr. Ruto’s checkered past with forceful land displacements, we want to remind him that such acts are crimes against humanity and we are committed to escalating these cases to the International Criminal Court (ICC),” the statement read in part.
The opposition leaders pointed an accusing finger at the national security agencies and independent institutions comprising the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), terming that they have turned into state machineries that cover up human rights violations.
“What we are witnessing today is the rise of a gangster regime that has no regard for human life, no respect for the rule of law and no commitment to the Constitution,” the statement read in part.
“Dr. Ruto is systematically dismantling the country’s democratic safeguards, subverting justice and endangering the very lives of the citizens it claims to serve.”
On the issue of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel, the opposition leaders noted with concern how the process has been questionable.
They urged the selection panel to vindicate itself by placing the nation ahead of self-interests.
To instill confidence in the process, the opposition figures demanded to be consulted before the appointment of the IEBC Commissioners.
“A failure to set up a Commission that inspires the confidence of Kenyans and all concerned parties may set the context for rigged elections in 2027, which Kenyans shall not accept,” the leaders indicated.
