Kenya’s opposition leaders are calling for stronger safeguards ahead of the 2027 general election, warning that political violence and intimidation could undermine the country’s democratic process.
The leaders want the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure that Kenyans can campaign, gather and vote without fear.
They also urged the electoral body to work with security agencies and other constitutional institutions to protect political freedoms and prevent violence during the election period.
“No citizen should be denied the right to campaign, assemble or vote because armed militia have been unleashed upon them,” the leaders said in a joint statement. “No citizen should lose their lives, limbs, liberty or property.”
The opposition said the 2027 election should be fought over policies and competing ideas rather than threats or force.
“The 2027 General Election must be a contest of ideas not intimidation; ballots not bullets; democracy not violence,” they said.
Concerns over political violence
The leaders also raised concerns about the safety of journalists, police officers and members of the public during political events.
“No Kenyan should lose their life, their liberty or their livelihood because of politics,” they said. “No journalist should fear death for carrying a camera. No police officer should be forced to choose between the Constitution and political interests.”
They said a series of reported confrontations across the country should not be treated as isolated disputes between rival political groups.
Among the incidents they cited were reported attacks involving former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Rongai, Nakuru County, and former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i in Mulot, Bomet County. They also referred to violence linked to Linda Mwananchi activities in Homa Bay and Keumbu, Kisii County.
The leaders called for independent investigations, particularly into allegations that some incidents occurred in the presence of, or within the operational reach of, police officers.
They questioned how organised groups of civilians could allegedly gather and move openly while carrying out attacks against political leaders, journalists, citizens and police officers.
“The Government must explain how organised groups of armed civilians can repeatedly mobilize, move openly, attack political leaders, journalists, citizens and even police officers, and apparently operate with such confidence,” they said.
The concerns come as political activity begins to intensify ahead of the 2027 election. The opposition leaders said the responsibility for protecting Kenya’s democratic process should not rest with one institution alone.
They called on political leaders, citizens and constitutional bodies to reject violence regardless of who is responsible or who might benefit from it.
For the opposition, the central demand is straightforward: Kenyans should be able to take part in the next election without fearing for their lives, property or freedom.
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