Presidential aspirant Eliud Owalo has condemned rising cases of political violence and intolerance in the country, warning that Kenya must reject a culture where political differences are settled through intimidation and force.
Owalo cited violence witnessed during the recent Ol Kalou by-election and reported attacks against political actors in Homa Bay County as worrying signs of political intolerance ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He said political competition should be based on ideas, policies and leadership rather than violence, threats, destruction of property or the mobilisation of gangs against opponents.
“Kenya cannot afford to return to an era where political differences are settled through violence, intimidation, threats, destruction of property or the mobilisation of gangs against political opponents,” Owalo said in a statement.
He also expressed concern about the involvement of young people in political violence, saying some are allegedly recruited and paid by political actors to attack fellow citizens.
“Our youth should never be reduced to instruments of political violence or hired muscle for political interests,” he said.
Owalo urged political leaders to instead harness the energy and numbers of young Kenyans to create businesses and jobs, participate in democratic debate and shape the country's future.
He said the Constitution provides a framework for peaceful political participation and cautioned against attempts to restrict Kenyans from participating in political activities based on their political affiliation, ethnicity or county of origin.
Owalo cited Article 37, which guarantees the right to peaceably and unarmed to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions to public authorities.
He also referred to Article 38, which guarantees citizens the right to make political choices, participate in political parties, campaign for political causes and take part in free, fair and regular elections.
“These are not privileges granted by those in power. They are constitutional rights belonging to every Kenyan,” he said.
Owalo further cited Article 39, which guarantees freedom of movement and the right of every citizen to enter, remain in and reside anywhere in Kenya.
He said no Kenyan should be stopped from travelling to or attending a peaceful political meeting because of their political affiliation, ethnic identity, county of origin or preferred candidate.
“Homa Bay is Kenya. Ol Kalou is Kenya. Nairobi is Kenya. Every part of Kenya belongs equally to every Kenyan,” he said.
He rejected what he described as a perception that certain political leaders or parties have exclusive ownership of particular regions.
Owalo also called for equal application of the law in cases of political violence, saying those found responsible should be held accountable regardless of their political connections.
He urged the National Police Service and other investigative and prosecutorial agencies to investigate reported cases of political violence thoroughly, impartially and transparently.
“Those who organise, finance, transport, arm or incite people to commit political violence should face individual accountability,” he said.
The presidential aspirant also called on political leaders, parties and their supporters to exercise restraint and avoid provocations that could turn political competition into conflict between citizens.
He said the 2027 General Election should allow Kenyans to freely listen to competing political visions, attend political meetings, campaign for candidates of their choice and vote without fear.
“Our democracy cannot be credible if citizens have to seek permission from political actors before exercising rights guaranteed to them by the Constitution,” he said.
Owalo said Kenya's interests should take precedence over those of individual politicians and political parties.
“Kenya is bigger than any political party, candidate or election,” he said.
He called for a political culture where disagreement is not treated as treason, opposition is not regarded as enmity and political competition does not become a licence for violence.
As the country heads towards the 2027 General Election, Owalo urged Kenyans across the political divide to reject intolerance and violence and defend the right of every citizen to participate freely in the democratic process.
“Let us defend the Constitution. Let us defend the right of every Kenyan to participate freely in our democracy. Let us defend the sanctity of the ballot,” he said.
“And, above all, let us refuse to make violence the language of Kenyan politics.”
