National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged young Kenyans to reject political violence ahead of the 2027 General Election, warning politicians against exploiting youths to fight each other.
Speaking after a fellowship at St Paul’s Catholic Church in Kanduyi, Bungoma County on Sunday, Wetang’ula called on Christians to pray for the country and young people, whom he said were increasingly being exploited by politicians and branded as goons.
He urged residents of Bungoma and other parts of the country to maintain peace during the election period, saying voters should cast their ballots according to their conscience and return home peacefully.
“Let us not have youths fighting each other because of politics. When we reach elections, go to the polling station, vote according to your conscience and go home,” Wetang’ula said.
His remarks come as political parties and politicians increasingly position themselves for the 2027 elections, with concerns over political mobilisation and tensions beginning to dominate public debate.
Wetang’ula also rallied Western Kenya behind President William Ruto’s bid for a second term, calling for unity in support of the President.
The Speaker also defended the independence of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) amid criticism of its procurement processes.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had alleged that the commission’s tender for an Integrated Elections Management System (IEMS) was designed to favour South Korean firm Miru Systems and could compromise the 2027 election.
However, IEBC Chairman Erastus Ethekon rejected the claims, saying no company has been awarded the tender and that the procurement process remains at an early stage.
The commission maintained that the process is being conducted in accordance with the Constitution and procurement law.
Wetang’ula said politicians seeking elective office should allow the electoral agency to undertake its constitutional mandate without interference.
“If you are a player, don’t choose the referee. Go to the field and play to win,” he said. “We cannot be players and the referee at the same time.”
The Speaker said politicians should focus on persuading voters through their policies, programmes and agendas instead of attempting to dictate how the electoral body conducts its affairs.
“Let IEBC do its work independently in accordance with the Constitution,” he said.
The technology tender has also faced a challenge before the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board as the electoral commission undertakes preparations for the 2027 polls, including the procurement of election technology, ballot papers and other materials.
Wetang’ula likened attempts to undermine the electoral process to football players objecting to a referee before a match begins.
“Some of our politicians, before kickoff of the match, want to protest that they don’t like his face. That is not possible,” he said.
He further urged Kenyans to protect the country’s peace by preventing young people from being mobilised into political violence.
Wetang’ula attributed his political journey to the support of his constituents, saying: “I know how far I have come politically, not because of my might, but because of you, my people, your vote, your prayers and God.”