Political leaders are warning that a return to political violence could threaten Kenya’s democratic gains and damage the economy as the country moves towards the 2027 General Election.
Mombasa politician Karisa Nzai and Eldas MP Adan Keynan have separately condemned reports of intimidation and violence during political activities. They called on security agencies to act against offenders regardless of their political connections.
Nzai, a political adviser in the Office of the President, said young people should not allow politicians to draw them into conflicts that could harm their future.
“Leaders will compete and elections will come and go, but young people should not destroy their future by engaging in political violence,” Nzai said while speaking in Jomvu, Mombasa County.
He urged young people at the Coast to focus on education, business and skills rather than becoming involved in political confrontations.
“Our youth should not allow themselves to be used as instruments of political conflict,” he said.
Nzai welcomed a warning from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission against politically sponsored violence. He also called on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission to act against politicians whose statements could encourage hatred or violence.
He said those found responsible for hate speech or incitement should face the law.
For Nzai, the issue is also closely tied to the Coast’s economic prospects. He argued that peace and stability are necessary to attract investment, create jobs and support development.
He also urged Coast leaders to back President William Ruto’s bid for another term in 2027, saying the administration had invested in the region, including in infrastructure and efforts to resolve longstanding land disputes.
Keynan, speaking in Eldas, took a broader view of the threat. He said political violence could weaken public confidence in Kenya’s institutions while hurting tourism and investment.
“Security agencies must move with speed, resolve and impartiality to investigate, identify, apprehend and bring to justice those responsible for this criminality,” Keynan said.
He warned that continued disorder could damage Kenya’s reputation as an investment and tourism destination.
“Violence has no place in modern-day Kenya, and we must all stand to be counted and say no to it,” he said.
Keynan’s comments came after violent incidents were reported during political activities in different parts of the country, including disturbances during the Linda Mwananchi mobilization tour in Homa Bay on August 16.
The legislator has also raised the issue in Parliament, calling on leaders to put national interests ahead of political loyalties and urging investigators to pursue suspected perpetrators without favour.
President Ruto has likewise spoken against political goonism, saying criminal elements should not be allowed to take control of political gatherings.
The warnings come as parties and politicians begin positioning themselves for the 2027 election. The leaders’ central message is that political competition should remain within the law and that young Kenyans should not be drawn into violence on behalf of political interests.
Whether those calls translate into stronger enforcement will be closely watched as the election approaches.
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