World · Africa · 2 days ago
Kenya opposes US sanctions on the International Criminal Court
Kenya has opposed planned US sanctions against the International Criminal Court, based in The Hague.
The United States announced the measures on October 9, accusing the court of exceeding its authority and threatening US sovereignty and national security.
The US is not a member of the treaty that established the ICC and objects to its potential reach over people from countries outside that treaty.
The dispute has focused partly on the court’s Afghanistan investigations and arrest warrants for Israeli leaders over alleged crimes in Gaza.
Kenya says the court has been selective in its work and needs urgent reform, but sanctions are not the answer.
The United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the Netherlands also condemned the planned measures, warning they could hinder the court’s work.
The sanctions are due to begin in six months, while Kenya says it will work with other member states to reform the court.
Kenya opposes US sanctions against the International Criminal Court and says the court needs reform instead.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei said Kenya would continue working with member states to reform the court.
The United States announced sanctions against the ICC, which it accuses of exceeding its authority.
Eight countries condemned the planned measures, warning they could undermine the court’s work.
Kenya also criticised the ICC for what it called selectivity in its focus.
- Who
- Kenya and the United States are at odds over sanctions against the International Criminal Court.
- What
- Kenya opposes US sanctions and says the ICC should be reformed instead.
- When
- The United States announced the sanctions on October 9, 2026; the sanctions are set to begin in six months.
- Where
- The ICC is based in The Hague. The US announcement and Kenya’s response concern the court.
- Why
- The United States says the ICC exceeded its authority and threatened US sovereignty and national security. Kenya says the court needs reform, not sanctions.
Kenya
United States
Response to the ICC
Kenya
Kenya says the court deserves criticism and urgent reform, but opposes sanctions.
United States
The United States announced sanctions against the court.
Reason for position
Kenya
Kenya criticises what it calls the ICC’s selective focus.
United States
The United States says the ICC exceeded its authority and threatens US sovereignty and national security.
The United States announced sanctions against the ICC.
Eight countries issued a joint statement condemning the planned sanctions.
Nation reported Kenya’s opposition to the sanctions and its call for ICC reform.
- Sanctions announcement
- October 9, 2026
- Sanctions start
- In six months
- Kenya's position
- Reform the ICC, not sanctions
- ICC location
- The Hague
- Countries condemning the planned sanctions
- United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the Netherlands
What people are saying
The ICC deserves serious criticism for failing to live up to the mandate and expectations for which it was established and for being selective in its focus.
What it needs is urgent reform. Not sanctions. Kenya will continue to work with State Parties to reform the court.
President Trump will never allow the International Criminal Court to prosecute Americans.
Sources
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