Two lobby groups have gone to High court to demand that Attorney-General Dorcas Oduor should refer the country’s abduction cases to the International Criminal Court.
The Mathare Social Justice Centre (MSJC) said in a statement.
MSJC together with Kituo cha Sheria through the firm of Khaminwa and Khaminwa advocates filed a petition to the High Court praying for a Declaratory order that the Attorney General do refer to the prosecutor of the ICC.
Photo: Courtesy
In their quest, they demanded the abduction and enforced disappearances occurring in the public terming them as Crimes Against Humanity to be investigated.
The two lobbies argued in their petition to the High Court that Kenya police are unable to prevent or investigate the crimes.
Article 7 of the Rome Statue provides that enforced disappearances when used as a widespread political tool for suspension in a crime against humanity. The prosecutor of the ICC has widespread investigative powers as allowed under Article 53 of the Rome Statue.
Lawyer Khaminwa stated.
It appears that the National police Service is incapable of conducting investigations. This court has the duty to protect and defend the people of the republic by referring the matter of enforced disappearances to the ICC.
The two lobbies lawyer added.
Recently, there have been rising cases of abductions which has led to demonstrations countrywide with different firms seeking answers about their disappearances.
82 people were reported missing since June 2024 as 29 still missing as at now.
During the festive season, six individuals were reportedly abducted and illegally detained.
They include Gideon Kibet, Bernard Kavuli, Peter Muteti, Billy Mwangi, Rony Kiplangat and Steve Kavingo.
