Prof P.L.O. Lumumba has warned that intimidation and violence are becoming increasingly common in Kenya’s political arena, describing the trend as “political gangsterism”.
Speaking on Radio Generation on September 28, the legal scholar said politicians were increasingly relying on groups of supporters to disrupt opponents rather than compete through ideas and policies.
“Unfortunately, today our politics is so toxic that if you want to be an MCA or MP and you don’t have your goons, nobody is going to allow you to articulate your agenda,” Lumumba said.
He said the trend reflected what he sees as a decline in the quality of political competition, with intimidation increasingly becoming part of campaign activity.
“Those are the levels to which we have degenerated,” he said.
Lumumba added: “It is political gangsterism that is running this country today.”
Concerns grow as 2027 election approaches
His comments come as political activity increases ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election and concerns grow over violence at political gatherings.
Several incidents have been reported in recent months.
In September, violence disrupted a political meeting in Embu attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. The incident left people dead and vehicles damaged, according to reports at the time. Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit subsequently urged politicians to stop bringing groups to meetings to heckle opponents or cause disruption.
In August, violence also broke out during the Linda Mwananchi political tour in Homa Bay. Human Rights Watch said organised groups had attacked gatherings and called on authorities to investigate and prosecute those responsible.
The Institute for Security Studies has similarly reported concerns over youth groups disrupting political rallies and civil society meetings as Kenya moves towards the next election.
Government promises action against political violence
The government has said it is taking steps to prevent political violence.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has directed security agencies to act before suspected groups reach political gatherings. He has also warned people accused of financing political violence that they could face arrest.
Murkomen told the Senate in September that 1,189 people had been sentenced for offences linked to political violence and “goonism” since 2022. The figure, he said, showed that security agencies and courts were taking action.
The Interior Ministry has also rejected suggestions that the government deploys or hires irregular groups to disrupt political events. Murkomen has said the National Police Service is responsible for dealing with criminal groups.
For Lumumba, however, the wider concern goes beyond individual incidents. He argues that political competition is increasingly being shaped by intimidation, raising questions about how campaigns will be conducted as the country moves closer to the 2027 election.
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