The United Opposition and the Linda Mwananchi Movement have condemned what they describe as a growing wave of political violence and intimidation across the country, warning that the trend could undermine preparations for the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a joint press briefing in Nairobi on Wednesday, August 19, the groups raised concerns over recent attacks targeting opposition leaders, journalists and members of the public in different parts of the country.
“The escalating incidents of political violence witnessed in different parts of Kenya can no longer be dismissed as isolated confrontations between rival political supporters. Taken together, they reveal a disturbing pattern that raises fundamental questions about the neutrality of our security institutions”, the leaders said in a terse joint statement.
The leaders said the incidents appeared to point to a “growing pattern of organised political violence” and called for urgent action by security agencies and other state institutions.
They demanded prompt, independent and transparent investigations into all reported cases, saying those found responsible should be held accountable regardless of their political affiliations.
According to the groups, continued political intolerance risks weakening democratic institutions, undermining national cohesion and eroding public confidence in the rule of law as the country moves closer to the next election.
“Within a remarkably short period, Kenyans have witnessed reported attacks involving former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Rongai Constituency, Nakuru County, an attack involving Dr. Fred Matiang’i at Mulot in Bomet County, and the horrifying violence surrounding the Linda Mwananchi activities in Homa Bay and Keumbu, Kisii County”, said the leaders.
The leaders also called on Kenyans, religious organizations, civil society groups and the media to speak out against violence and intimidation, arguing that safeguarding democratic freedoms should not be left to political actors alone.
They further appealed to the international community to remain attentive to political developments in Kenya and support efforts aimed at protecting democratic space.
Attention was also directed at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the police and other constitutional institutions, with the coalition urging them to discharge their responsibilities impartially.
The groups said confidence in the 2027 electoral process would largely depend on whether institutions mandated to oversee elections, security and justice are seen to operate independently and fairly.
“We call upon the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to work closely with all relevant institutions to ensure that every Kenyan can vote freely, peacefully and without fear”, the leaders said.
As part of their preparations ahead of the polls, the United Opposition and Linda Mwananchi Movement announced plans to establish a People’s Forum for Electoral Preparedness.
The proposed forum will bring together different stakeholders to discuss electoral integrity, accountability and measures aimed at protecting the credibility of the 2027 General Election.
The coalition said the initiative would provide a platform for citizens and other stakeholders to engage on issues affecting the electoral process and push for stronger democratic safeguards ahead of the polls.
The announcement comes amid heightened political activity as parties and political movements begin positioning themselves for the 2027 contest.
“The 2027 General Election must be decided through ideas, policies, ballots and the sovereign will of the people, not through violence, intimidation or fear,” the leaders said.
They reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful democratic engagement and urged political leaders across the divide to avoid rhetoric or actions that could fuel tensions.
“We therefore call upon all Kenyans to reject political violence in every form, regardless of who perpetrates it or who claims to benefit from it”, the statement further read.
The coalition said Kenya’s democratic gains could only be protected if political actors, state institutions and citizens collectively reject violence and defend the right of every Kenyan to participate freely in the country’s political process.
They also urged authorities to demonstrate accountability by acting decisively whenever incidents of political violence are reported, warning that failure to address such cases could encourage further attacks as political temperatures rise ahead of 2027.
Follow our social media pages for breaking news updates, in-depth stories and videos.
news@nairobilens.ke
