The opposition party in Kenya known as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC) accusing the government of crimes against humanity.
The complaint filed by the ODM says that the Kenyan national police used excessive force during last weeks protests where over 30 people have died. In the latest wave of violence, seven people were killed in Rift Valley. Four of them were hacked to death.
Kofi Annan, the former UN Secretary General has arrived in Kenya to help find a solution to the crisis that sparked after the disputed election results on December 27 where incumbent President Mwai Kibaki defeated opposition candidate and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Recently, John Kufour the president of Ghana and the current head of the African Union tried to mediate. However, the talks ended in failure.
Over 650 people have been killed in protests that came after the official results were announced with a quarter of a million people fleeing their homes to escape the violence.
The ICC based in The Hague said that they could not comment on whether or not the ODM had filed a complaint.
Alfred Matura, the government spokesman said that authorities planned to file a counter-suit.
Matua said: “
The government is aware that some leaders of ODM planned and executed a mass genocide that we saw in the Rift Valley of this country.”
“They should know that very soon, they, as individuals not as a party, will be languishing in jail,” he added.
So far, opposition supporters have targeted members of Kibaki’s Kikuyu community in Rift Valley and the slums of Nairobi. One group sought shelter in a church but was burned to death as a result. The ODM has denied responsibility for the church burning.
Police officers are accused by the ODM of adopting a shoot-to-kill policy during the protests. But, police responded by saying they used restraint.
Odinga said that he will only meet Kibaki to discuss the crisis if the talks are part of an international mediation. However, Kibaki has rejected the condition.
After his arrival in Kenya, Annan called forth for dialogue.
“Our message to the parties is this: there can be no solution, no peace and stability… without respect for the rule of law,” Annan said.
Odinga wants a recount while Kibaki said he was rightfully reelected.
