Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has called on President William Ruto to resign, accusing his administration of failing to curb political violence, goonism and insecurity amid rising tensions around political rallies.
Karungo made the remarks on Sunday during a church service at PCEA Rev. Samuel Marima Memorial Church in Gatundu South, Kiambu County.
He criticised the government over recent incidents of violence targeting political leaders and their supporters, particularly the unrest reported in Homa Bay on Sunday.
The senator’s call came amid heightened tensions in Homa Bay, where a planned Linda Mwananchi political rally was preceded by reports of an attack on a hotel, road blockades and threats by rival political groups to disrupt the gathering.
Karungo accused the government of failing to guarantee Kenyans the freedom to travel and participate in political activities without fear of violence.
“We want to tell you, Honourable William Ruto, that if you have failed to repair this country, you do not have to wait until 2027. You do not have to wait if you have failed to restore respect and security in this country, because everyone must be able to travel and go wherever they want,” Karungo said.
His remarks followed an attack reported at Homa Bay Tourist Hotel on Saturday night, where a group of youths allegedly vandalised the premises and stole property of unknown value.
According to a police incident report, the youths raided the hotel at about 8pm before fleeing on motorcycles. Police officers later visited the premises alongside detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and Crime Scene Investigation personnel.
The police report indicated that the attackers destroyed and stole hotel stationery, accessories and furniture, although the value of the property had not been established.
The motive for the attack and identities of those involved remained unclear, with investigations ongoing.
The incident was followed on Sunday morning by reports that roads leading into and out of Homa Bay Town had been barricaded with large stones, disrupting movement ahead of the Linda Mwananchi rally.
Videos circulating online showed sections of roads blocked, raising concerns over the safety of political leaders and supporters travelling to the gathering.
Karungo condemned what he described as the use of goons to intimidate political opponents, linking the Homa Bay developments to an earlier incident in Nakuru.
“We were also in Nakuru recently, on Friday and Saturday, and we were there together with His Excellency(Rigathi Gachagua) and his vehicles. We were also attacked there by people associated with the goons,” he said.
He reiterated that the government had a responsibility to protect the freedom of movement and political participation of all Kenyans.
“Everyone must be able to travel and go wherever they want.”
The senator’s remarks came as the government maintained that political groups have a constitutional right to hold meetings anywhere in the country, while warning organisers and supporters against breaking the law.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo earlier said that the government would provide security for political gatherings regardless of the organisers’ political affiliations.
He cautioned political actors and their supporters against breaching the law, stressing that the right to political assembly must be exercised peacefully.
The National Police Service has also warned politicians, rally organisers and other individuals against incitement, provocation and conduct likely to breach the peace.
The warning followed the arrest of 15 suspects allegedly planning to disrupt political activities.
The Service has directed officers deployed to political events to maintain law and order while upholding professionalism, impartiality and restraint.