The United Alternative Government and Linda Mwananchi have called on the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to conduct a preliminary assessment of alleged organised political violence in Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a joint statement dated August 19, 2026, the groups said a series of recent incidents involving political leaders, journalists, citizens and police officers pointed to a disturbing pattern that could threaten the country’s preparedness for a peaceful, free and credible election.
They cited reported attacks involving former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Rongai Constituency, Nakuru County, former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i at Mulot in Bomet County, violence surrounding Linda Mwananchi activities in Homa Bay and an earlier incident in Keumbu, Kisii County.
The groups said the incidents could no longer be dismissed as isolated confrontations between rival political supporters, arguing that they raised questions about the neutrality of security institutions and the protection of constitutional freedoms.
Of particular concern, they said, were reports that some of the attacks occurred in the presence or within the operational reach of police officers.
They questioned how organised groups of armed civilians could allegedly mobilise, move openly and attack political leaders, journalists, members of the public and even police officers without being stopped.
“These incidents require independent investigation,” the groups said, calling on the government to explain how such groups could repeatedly operate with apparent confidence.
Beyond domestic investigations, the United Alternative Government and Linda Mwananchi urged the ICC Prosecutor to closely monitor developments in Kenya and undertake a preliminary assessment of whether credible information exists to warrant examination under the Rome Statute.
They further said that if evidence establishes that widespread or systematic attacks against civilians are being organised, financed, directed or tolerated by people in positions of authority, the ICC Prosecutor should consider exercising powers under Article 15 of the Rome Statute to initiate an investigation.
The groups specifically referred to President William Ruto, describing him in the document as a former ICC indictee, and called for a review of the status of previous charges against him if the legal threshold for ICC intervention is met.
The call comes with the groups warning that the appeal is not intended to prejudge the criminal responsibility of any individual.
They argued that accountability remains an important deterrent against political violence and warned that political office should not shield anyone from international criminal accountability where the requirements of the Rome Statute are satisfied.
The joint statement also raised concerns over the safety of journalists covering political activities.
“No journalist should fear death for carrying a camera,” the groups said, while insisting that police officers should not be forced to choose between the Constitution and political interests.
They further called for the protection of citizens' rights to campaign, assemble and vote without intimidation, saying no Kenyan should lose life, liberty, limbs or property because of political activity.
The groups also called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to work closely with relevant institutions to ensure Kenyans can vote freely, peacefully and without fear.
They urged religious leaders, civil society organisations, the legal fraternity, professional bodies, the media, youth organisations and the international diplomatic community to unite in defending the Constitution and resisting what they described as attempts to normalise intimidation, militia activity and politically sponsored violence.
The groups said protecting Kenya's democracy cannot be left to political leaders and citizens alone, but requires the involvement of constitutional institutions and other actors committed to democratic governance and the rule of law.
They also announced a people's forum scheduled for October 9 involving former Chief Justice David Maraga, former Attorney General Justin Muturi and lawyer Karori Ombati.
The forum is expected to provide a platform for citizens to discuss Kenya's political future and democratic direction as the country moves closer to the 2027 elections.
The groups said the 2027 election should be a contest of ideas rather than intimidation, with ballots replacing violence and democratic participation taking precedence over fear.
They warned that the credibility of the next election will depend not only on the integrity of the vote, but also on whether Kenyans are able to campaign, assemble, participate in political activities and cast their ballots in a secure environment.
“The 2027 General Election must be a contest of ideas—not intimidation; ballots—not bullets; democracy—not violence,” the groups said.
