Political violence is pushing Kenya towards dangerous territory, Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i has warned, accusing those in power of allowing criminal gangs to thrive while failing to protect innocent citizens. He cautioned that leaders using violence for political gain will eventually lose control of the very groups they have created.
Speaking during separate meetings in Keumbu, Gionseri and Nyamokenye in Nyaribari Chache, Bobasi and Bonchari constituencies in Kisii County, the former Interior Cabinet Secretary said the country cannot continue tolerating lawlessness disguised as politics.
He said repeated incidents of violence have left families mourning loved ones, injured many people and destroyed property, warning that if the trend is not stopped, Kenya risks becoming a criminal society.
“There has never witnessed such wanton political violence perpetrated and perpetuated by government-aligned leaders before,” Matiang’i said.
He urged politicians to stop using violence as a political weapon, saying elections should never become a reason to divide Kenyans. According to him, those funding gangs should remember that national unity must remain intact before, during and after the General Election.
Drawing from his experience in the security sector, Matiang’i said the government cannot claim ignorance whenever organised attacks occur because the country already has well-established administrative, intelligence and police structures.
“The government has enough resources and intelligence to track, monitor and even abduct critics, yet it claims to be powerless when goons are mobilised with weapons to attack people,” he said.
He maintained that attacks involving armed gangs cannot take place without the knowledge of security commanders, questioning why those responsible have not been stopped.
Matiang’i warned politicians recruiting gangs that the violence they are nurturing will one day be beyond their control.
“When chaos escalates, the very monsters they create will turn on them, and no one – not even those in power – will be safe,” he said.
He also appealed to churches and members of the public to reject money used to lure young people into criminal activities, saying religious institutions have a duty to provide moral leadership and stand against violence.
Turning to the violence witnessed in Keumbu two weeks ago, Dr Matiang’i said a team of lawyers and technology experts is already collecting evidence to support legal action against those involved.
He said the team is reviewing videos and other material to identify both the attackers and those who financed the violence.
“I am here in Keumbu to condemn acts of lawlessness meted on innocent Kenyans. I plead with you to exercise tolerance, which is the hallmark of our democracy,” Dr Matiang’i said.
The Keumbu attack targeted leaders of the Linda Mwananchi Movement and left one person dead. The victim was identified as Vincent Osiemo, popularly known as "Mapinduzi."
Matiang’i later joined mourners during Osiemo's burial in Gionseri, where he urged residents to remain united despite political differences.
He also described the July 16 Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election as a turning point in the country's politics.
“Congratulations to my brother, colleague and friend Rigathi Gachagua, the DCP fraternity, especially Senator Methu and his Ol kalou team, for a well-deserved victory in the historic by-election,” he said.
He appealed to those who lost the contest to work with MP-elect Sammy Kamau Ngotho in promoting development in Ol Kalou.
“We are brothers and sisters in the United Opposition. We must respect each other and all to traverse the country without hindrance. I want to campaign freely and peacefully in other regions,” he said.
Matiang’i was accompanied by Nyamira Senator Okong'o Omogeni, Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi, Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo, former Cabinet ministers Sam Ongeri and Ezekiel Machogu, former MP Janet Ongera, former Senator Gloria Orwoba and several aspirants seeking elective seats in next year's General Election.