Head of the Anglican Church Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit speaking in Kisii county on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. /SCREENGRABHead of the Anglican Church Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit has condemned the rising cases of goon attacks during political events and other public meetings, calling for an intensified crackdown on criminal elements ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking on Tuesday in Kisii county during the official opening of the Anglican Church's annual national youth conference, Sapit said Kenya is a democratic country where people enjoy freedom of speech and association.
The archbishop said it was particularly worrying that the attacks were now being extended to the media, which is supposed to play a watchdog role, just months before the General Election.
"My urge and advice to all of us in the church and to the youth is to desist from being used. Shun the little handout because it will not give you much," he said.
His remarks came as members of the opposition continued to reel from goon attacks on their convoys in Nakuru and Homa Bay counties, which left at least four people dead and property destroyed.
On Saturday, a DCP convoy led by party leader Rigathi Gachagua was pelted with stones in Gilgil and Nakuru following grassroots meet-the-people engagements.
The following day, the Linda Mwananchi caravan faced a hostile reception during its inaugural tour of Homa Bay county, with its convoy being stoned and at least six vehicles torched in the ensuing melee.
Police said on Wednesday that 27 people had been arrested in Kisumu and Homa Bay and arraigned in court as the National Police Service intensified investigations to arrest more suspects.
Sapit said the scale of violence was concerning as it raised the prospect of more violence during the 2027 General Election.
He particularly urged young people to refuse to be lured into acts of lawlessness by political actors seeking to advance their own agendas.
"We have seen people being used and dumped or even followed to be killed in the name of concealing the information they already have. So, young people, take care of yourselves, make sure that the environment you are operating in will become an instrument and an agent of peace."
Sapit called for political tolerance, saying Kenya is a unified country that shares a common boundary and has a progressive Constitution that grants everyone the freedom to express themselves and travel to any part of the country.
He called on security agencies, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Inspector General of Police, to play their part in maintaining law and order during political gatherings and at all times.
"Please take over charge of public order and remove it from the hands of goons because if we continue to see goonism in this country daily without being abated, then it's preparation for chaos and we don't want that."
Sapit said businesses cannot thrive in a chaotic environment where neither the safety of sellers nor buyers is guaranteed.
He urged the political class to preach peace during their meetings, saying no one would be comfortable leading a divided country.
"You need to lead a nation that is cohesive and united, and you need to lead a nation that belongs to all of us."
