ICC’s Karim Khan, Ruto in Mt. Kenya, Raila’s Strategic Retreat, Luo ICC Probe: All Linked

In 2006, on my Kumekucha blog, I suggested that for the healing of Kenya, it was crucial for the Kenyan people to officially apologize to the Luo community. In my opinion, then and now, this would have been the perfect starting point for the nation's healing and for combating the monster called tribalism, which has stifled and suffocated our country for decades.

Looking back today, from the bottom of my heart, I wish we had done this back then. Unfortunately, what we have done since 2017, and even as recently as 2023, has only added salt to a gaping wound. Instead of healing, we have resorted to actions that exacerbate the pain.

I know some of you may be lost, so let me explain. We are in a season of judgment—God’s judgment on Kenya as a nation. One thing you need to understand about divine judgment is that it matches the crime and is usually severe.

If you’re not from the Luo community, try to imagine the injuries, damage, and deaths inflicted on this community since independence. Of course, among these incidents, the Kisumu Massacre of October 25, 1969, stands out as the most heinous.

Now, God’s judgment is at our doorstep. It may already be too late to make amends or stop it. For those interested, I’ll return to this point at the end of my commentary.

The Current Political Scene

Let’s delve into the politics that, if you’re attentive, will provide evidence of the troubling reality we face.

Today, President Ruto is at Sagana Lodge, preparing for a five-day tour of the Mt. Kenya region. This development is directly connected to what I’ve just outlined.

Why now? Why would a busy president, with so much on his plate, prioritize campaigning in Mt. Kenya? The answer is simple: there is a problem in the region.

Interestingly, Ruto’s handlers claim that one key objective of this tour is to explain to the Mt. Kenya people why a handshake with Raila Odinga is neither plausible nor desirable. The narrative they’re pushing is that the UDA government has no interest in such a handshake.

But why would they feel the need to stress this? After all, as many Azimio supporters might argue, who wants a handshake with UDA in the first place? The answer lies in UDA’s political strategy: they are desperately trying to reawaken anti-Raila sentiments in Mt. Kenya.

By reigniting these sentiments, UDA hopes to solve several political problems:

1. Prevent Mt. Kenya from joining anti-government protests (mandamanos).

2. Ensure that any support for Raila remains local.

This is the logic behind their narrative, but will it work? Given the current environment, it’s doubtful.

Meanwhile, Raila Odinga is taking a low profile within Azimio. The face of Azimio has increasingly become Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, who is now making key announcements and leading press conferences.

Speculations about Raila’s health have surfaced, but the real reason for his retreat is strategic. His reduced visibility helps shift the narrative and avoids giving the government a convenient target to frame unrest as a Luo issue.

ICC Prosecutor in Kenya

Adding to the intrigue is the arrival of Karim Khan, the ICC prosecutor, in Kenya. This visit, kept low-key, raises questions. The ICC prosecutor is a busy man; he hasn’t come here on vacation.

What is his mission? The international community is putting immense pressure on the Kenyan government to investigate recent events in Sondu and Londiani, where Raila alleged ethnic cleansing of the Luo community.

Though official statements may not confirm it, it’s evident that Khan’s visit is linked to these allegations. His presence signals serious international scrutiny.

Mt. Kenya’s Brewing Discontent

President Ruto’s Mt. Kenya tour is also a desperate attempt to address growing dissatisfaction in the region. Reports from the ground indicate massive discontent against the UDA government.

If the anti-government sentiment in Mt. Kenya continues to grow, it could overshadow the influence of local leaders like Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The region, once a stronghold for Ruto, appears to be shifting.

Judgment and Reconciliation

As I conclude, I return to the concept of judgment. The wrongs committed against the Luo community—whether by individuals or their ancestors—cannot go unanswered. The blood of the innocent cries out for justice.

For Kenya to move forward, we must repent and seek reconciliation. We must collectively apologize, with tears and remorse, for the pain inflicted on our Luo brothers and sisters.

Let us also remember that divine judgment spares no one. The time to act is now, and repentance might yet mitigate what lies ahead.