“We’ll Go to ICC — But You May Not Live to See It,” Charles Owino Threatens Activists

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“We’ll Go to ICC — But You May Not Live to See It,” Charles Owino Threatens Activists

Former police spokesperson Charles Owino has warned activists threatening to take Kenyan security officials to the International Criminal Court (ICC) that their actions are meant to intimidate the police and destabilise the country.

Speaking to a digital content creator on Sunday, July 6, Owino lambasted the misuse of the ICC to pressure the police and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. This comes after recent nationwide protests turned violent and resulted in destruction of property, including burning of several police stations.

“You can strike. But if you want to burn a police station, I am sorry. You won’t do it,” Owino said, condemning the destruction of public property under the guise of peaceful protest.

He denied his comments were physical threats but stood firm saying those inciting violence under the cover of legal recourse would face consequences. “We will go to ICC but you won’t be there to see us go,” he added cryptically.

The recent protests, mainly driven by Kenya’s youth—Gen Z—were triggered by public opposition to the Finance Bill 2024. The June 25 protests marked the anniversary of protests a year ago when several people were killed. The latest unrest saw nine police stations burnt, according to the National Police Service.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen escalated tensions further after issuing a shoot-to-kill directive to police officers. The order was given during his visit to Kikuyu Police Station which had been torched by individuals he described as criminals posing as peaceful protesters. The directive has since been widely condemned by human rights groups and politicians.

Owino defended Murkomen’s stance saying the directive was a reaction to the escalating attacks on security installations. “The law allows police to use their firearms in danger situations,” he explained, saying the CS’s remarks were born out of frustration with continued arson against police facilities.

Despite the public outcry, Owino reiterated the importance of peaceful protest. “There is no opportunity to burn this country. We only have one way—elect good leaders,” he said, urging Kenyans to wait until 2027 General Election to express their grievances through the ballot.As the pressure mounts on police, the government is under the spotlight. Lawyers and human rights groups are watching closely, ICC filings are still on the table for the activists. This will define the country’s politics and law in the coming months.

“We’ll Go to ICC — But You May Not Live to See It,” Charles Owino Threatens Activists