Gachagua responds to Raila's ICC letter

By Peter Ochieng

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua broke his silence on Saturday, a day after the country was informed the Azimio leader Raila Odinga, through his lawyers had written to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Odinga wanted the Hague, Holland based court to closely follow political happenings in the country, and hold Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome responsible for deaths witnessed during opposition demos in March, 2023.

Speaking in Nyandarua County, Gachagua said it is Odinga and his team who deserve to be taken to ICC for participating in violent protests, which led to lose of lives and property.

"In fact, the people who should be taken to ICC are those Azimio characters who have destroyed the life and property of the people of Kenya," said the second in command.

He defended Koome and the police for actions taken during the demos.

"I see they want to intimidate the IG, but I ask you to continue doing your job professionally. Had they not come to the streets, there would have been no issue between the police and the demonstrators. So let them keep their people at home."

"IG if those people come to the street, do your job in accordance with the Constitution of Kenya. Protect the life and property of Kenyans," he added.

The DP maintained that they will not be blackmailed into a handshake, after the ODM party boss said they may return to the streets after Ramadan.

"We are not like the previous government that agreed to the handshake. We are stronger," said the Deputy President.

Odinga called off the initial demos after agreeing to a bipartisan approach to issues raised by his team, with President William Ruto.