Growing cases of violence linked to politics have prompted former Chief Justice David Maraga to warn that Kenya is heading down a dangerous path, saying failure to stop what he described as "goonism" could push the country into lawlessness before the 2027 General Election.
Maraga spoke on Monday outside Muthangari Police Station during a press conference attended by civic actors, human rights defenders and civil society organisations, where he condemned attacks targeting the Trust for Indigenous Culture and Health (TISA) and activists. He said recent events point to a shrinking democratic space and called on Kenyans to defend the rights guaranteed under the Constitution.
According to Maraga, the latest incidents of violence witnessed in different parts of the country should concern every Kenyan, warning that they reflect a worrying trend.
"We are slowly descending to the state of Haiti. Haiti started like this. If you get government engaging goons to disrupt legal proceedings, including church worship proceedings, what are you telling the country?" Maraga asked.
He appealed to Kenyans to reject political violence and unite in protecting the country's democracy.
"I want to appeal to all Kenyans that we stand up and say no to what is happening. If we don't do that, we are slowly descending to the state of Haiti and we cannot afford to have that."
Maraga accused the government of failing to respect constitutional rights, saying freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and public participation are under increasing pressure.
"The government does not want to be held accountable. The government does not want to be questioned in whatever they are doing. We cannot have that."
His remarks followed violent scenes outside ACK St Stephen's Cathedral in Kisumu, where Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna had joined Christians for worship. Police said one person died during the chaos, while 14 suspects were arrested.
Another incident was reported in Nyahururu, where police arrested six suspects after armed groups allegedly stormed a political event organised by the Linda Mwananchi movement. The suspects allegedly threw stones at worshippers attending a church service at AIPCA Nyahururu Cathedral, leaving several people injured.
The incidents have renewed debate over the growing cases of "goonism," a term commonly used in Kenya to describe organised groups allegedly hired or mobilised to intimidate political opponents, break up public meetings and silence critics through violence.
Maraga also referred to an earlier incident in Kisii where his convoy came under attack, saying the violence is spreading to different parts of the country.
"You saw what happened in Kisumu yesterday... You saw what happened in Nyahururu. Two weeks ago we were stoned in Keumbu. I escaped injuries and my car was smashed."
With less than a year remaining before the 2027 General Election, Maraga warned that continued violence and intimidation could fuel political tensions if those behind the attacks are not held accountable.
He urged Kenyans to protect the country's democratic institutions and resist attempts to silence voices through violence.
"We must all defend our civic space which is narrowing and say no to the acts of goonism... Nobody will be spared when this country fails."