The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has warned that public officials found responsible for political violence and goonism could face legal and constitutional action, including attempts to remove them from office, as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.
LSK President Charles Kanjama said the society would pursue accountability against officials where credible evidence shows they were involved in, or responsible for, acts of political violence.
Speaking during a local television interview on Thursday night, August 20, 2026, Kanjama said LSK was ready to begin legal processes against officials found culpable, insisting that accountability would be at the centre of the society's response.
“For me, one word: accountability. LSK has taken upon itself the responsibility of trying to promote accountability,” Kanjama said.
His remarks come amid renewed concerns over political goonism, with recent incidents raising fears that organised groups could be used to disrupt political activities, intimidate opponents and interfere with freedom of movement.
The violence witnessed in Homa Bay on August 16 has emerged as a stark example of the risks surrounding political activities. The Linda Mwananchi political caravan faced road blockades, stone-throwing and confrontations as it travelled through the county.
Several vehicles were damaged, while others were set on fire. Journalists covering the events were also assaulted and had their equipment stolen.
Police later announced the arrest of 37 suspected gang members following the violence. Some of those arrested were allegedly found with crude weapons, including machetes, metal rods, knives, rungus and batons.
The National Police Service also said it would pursue individuals suspected of organising, financing, facilitating or sponsoring the violence.
The Homa Bay unrest extended beyond political rallies, with a media vehicle burnt and hotels and other property vandalised. The attacks on journalists also raised fresh concerns about the safety of the media and its ability to cover political activities freely.
Kanjama said LSK would depend on information and evidence from journalists and members of the public to establish whether public officials played a role in the violence.
“If we get the required level of evidence from the media or other well-meaning Kenyans, what we want to do is to start processes of removal from office of whichever officer we find the evidence is pointing to as the person accountable.”
He said the society would pursue the matter within its legal mandate and would not take actions outside the law.
“We don’t want to do other things for now; that’s what we want to do,” he said.
According to Kanjama, the action taken against officials would depend on the evidence available and could include both criminal and civil proceedings.
“Criminal processes need to be triggered, civil processes of compensation,” Kanjama said.
He added that LSK would work with constitutional commissions and independent offices established under Chapter 15 of the Constitution to ensure complaints against public officials are taken through the proper legal channels.
The society also plans to use its public interest litigation and rule of law committees to pursue cases that affect the wider public.
“We have a public interest litigation committee, we have a rule of law committee in the Law Society of Kenya.”
Kanjama urged Kenyans and media organisations with credible information to come forward and help establish who should be held responsible for acts of political violence.
“We want to begin processes to secure accountability for these Kenyans who are failing in their responsibility,” Kanjama maintained.
The LSK position puts fresh focus on the responsibility of public officials when political violence occurs, particularly as political activity increases ahead of the 2027 General Election.
For Kanjama, the society's approach will be guided by evidence, legal action and accountability, with officials found responsible expected to answer for their actions through the established constitutional and legal processes.