Eugene Wamalwa Warns Rising Political Violence May Drag Kenya Back to ICC

Eugene Wamalwa, leader of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), has expressed deep concern over the escalating political violence in Kenya, warning that the country risks returning to the International Criminal Court (ICC) as it did after the 2007-2008 post-election crisis.

In an interview on August 20, 2026, Wamalwa highlighted disturbing parallels between current tensions and the events that led to widespread violence nearly two decades ago, which resulted in over 1,000 deaths and displacement of hundreds of thousands.

Echoes of Past Political Turmoil

Wamalwa recalled the trauma of ICC proceedings, noting how several prominent figures, including former Deputy President William Ruto, faced charges related to the crisis before the cases were eventually dropped. He urged Kenyans to learn from history to avoid repeating such painful chapters.

Call for Political Tolerance

Emphasizing the need for peaceful political engagement, Wamalwa invoked the example of his late brother, former Vice President Michael Kijana Wamalwa, who championed respectful competition rather than hostility. He said:

• "We should view political opponents as worthy competitors, not enemies."
• "Democracy thrives on defending the right to differing opinions, even when we disagree."

He lamented the current climate marked by insults, violence, and misinformation and stressed the urgency of fostering tolerance ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Concerns Over 'Goonvernment' Phenomenon

Wamalwa also introduced the term "goonvernment" to describe a troubling alliance between government-backed thugs and some police elements. He warned this unholy collaboration poses a serious threat to Kenya's democracy, as it enables violence to be carried out under a veil of official protection.

His comments come amid growing appeals from opposition groups and rights organizations urging the ICC to monitor Kenya's political landscape as the country approaches the 2027 polls. These groups have cited recent violent incidents targeting political leaders in various regions.

Earlier, Wamalwa had flagged violence during the Ol Kalou by-election in July as a warning sign of potential unrest linked to the upcoming elections.