A group calling itself Linda Mwananchi Caucus has accused political leaders of fuelling a dangerous culture of violence through hired gangs, warning that growing intolerance is threatening constitutional freedoms and weakening public confidence in state institutions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
During a press briefing in Nairobi on Tuesday, the caucus said recent incidents of politically linked violence across the country show an increasing pattern of intimidation against people with opposing views. It warned that the trend is discouraging civic participation and creating fear among Kenyans exercising their constitutional rights.
Speaking on behalf of the movement, Alex Matere said the use of hired goons to disrupt political activities had become a serious threat to the country's democratic space.
"We are deeply concerned by the alarming rise in political intolerance, violence, and the growing culture of using hired goons to intimidate, disrupt, and silence those with dissenting political opinions. These unfortunate developments threaten the very foundation of our democracy and undermine the constitutional freedoms that Kenyans have fought so hard to secure," Matere said.
The caucus said the Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly and political participation, adding that political competition should never be driven by violence or intimidation.
It also claimed that recent incidents in Kitengela, Keumbu, and other areas point to growing collaboration between criminal gangs and rogue police officers.
"The increasing normalization of goon culture is a dangerous precedent. We have seen and experienced unfortunate incidences where goons either work alongside the police and/or are supervised by the police to wreak havoc, injure political opponents, and destroy property... Such incidents erode public confidence in our institutions, discourage meaningful civic participation, and place innocent lives and property at unnecessary risk," Matere said.
The movement further accused leaders who sponsor or shield violent groups of attacking the Constitution and denying Kenyans the freedom to campaign, organise and express political opinions without fear.
It also criticised what it termed empty condemnation of political violence, saying justice can only be achieved through investigations, arrests and prosecution of those responsible.
"Condemnation without accountability is a theatre. Press statements without arrests are an insult to victims. Staged summons and arrests are a charade. Promises without consequences are how nations slide into impunity," the caucus said.
Caucus member Michira Nyangweso mourned Vincent Osiemo, popularly known as Mapinduzi, describing his death as unnecessary and calling for everyone involved to face justice.
"He was hit by a stone and we strongly condemn this goonism in our country. Everyone who was involved in this chaos should be arrested and investigated, brought to the book."
The caucus outlined five demands to the government, including investigations into individuals financing political violence, disciplinary action against police officers accused of aiding attacks, enforcement of constitutional provisions against political parties linked to violence, regular updates on investigations and equal police protection for peaceful political meetings.
It also appealed to political leaders across all parties to reject violence and embrace tolerance as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election