Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called on political leaders to avoid violence as the country begins to edge towards the 2027 General Election, warning that peace remains critical to Kenya’s stability and progress.

Speaking on Tuesday in Mombasa during the opening of the 6th Legislative Summit of the County Assemblies Forum, Mudavadi said leaders must take responsibility in ensuring a peaceful electoral period.

“As we head into the electioneering period, we must shun violence. Do not be underwriters of violence going into the 2027 polls,” Mudavadi said.

He said Kenya’s democratic maturity will be tested by how leaders and citizens conduct themselves in the run-up to the elections, adding that the country must safeguard its reputation as a stable democracy.

“I want to assure you that we will have a free, fair and credible election,” he said.

Mudavadi described peace as invaluable, noting that even developed nations have suffered setbacks due to instability.

“I am not talking about the value of airports or roads. What is the value of peace? We have seen people with very big airports but because of violence, they have become empty and unused,” he said.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary used the forum to highlight the role of county assemblies in strengthening devolution, saying the institutions remain central to governance at the grassroots.

He said the theme of the summit, Resilient County Assemblies: Reinforcing Representation, Legislation and Oversight, reflects the importance of accountability and effective service delivery.

“Devolution remains one of the most transformative pillars of our constitutional order,” Mudavadi said.

He noted that county assemblies have, over the years, grown in confidence, particularly in oversight and public participation, but acknowledged that challenges remain.

Mudavadi said his office had engaged various institutions to address issues raised by Members of County Assemblies, including welfare and legislative concerns.

On pensions, he said he had written to the National Assembly urging it to expedite consideration of the County Assemblies Pensions Scheme Bill, 2024.

“Retirement security is part of the dignity of public service and the pension framework for MCAs must be fair, sustainable and responsive,” he said.

He added that efforts are also underway to fast-track the Intergovernmental Relations (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to anchor the County Assemblies Forum in law.

“This is an important institutional reform that will strengthen coordination and representation of county assemblies,” Mudavadi said.

On financial matters, he said his office had engaged the National Treasury and the Kenya Revenue Authority to resolve a dispute over taxation of motor vehicle reimbursements for MCAs.

“This matter has caused concern, and it should be addressed in a manner that is fair, lawful and practical,” he said.

Mudavadi also pointed to progress in operationalising the County Assembly Fund, saying the Controller of Budget had issued guidelines to facilitate access to funds.

“Financial autonomy is necessary for effective legislative independence and credible oversight,” he said.

He urged county assembly speakers to explore ways of inviting key leaders to address them on national issues, citing President William Ruto’s recent address to the Nairobi County Assembly as a significant step in strengthening devolution.

Mudavadi maintained that sustained dialogue between national and county governments will be key in resolving emerging challenges as the country prepares for the next electoral cycle.