The United Alternative Government and the Linda Mwananchi Movement gather for a joint press briefing in Nairobi on the rising political violence and intimidation across the country/HANDOUTUnited Opposition leaders have called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure every Kenyan can campaign, assemble and vote freely, peacefully and without fear ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The leaders urged the electoral commission to work closely with security agencies, constitutional institutions and other relevant stakeholders to guarantee a safe electoral environment and protect citizens from political violence.
They warned that no citizen should be denied the right to campaign, assemble or vote because of the deployment of armed groups to intimidate or attack political opponents.
“No citizen should be denied the right to campaign, assemble or vote because armed militia have been unleashed upon them. No citizen should lose their lives, limbs, liberty or property,” the leaders said in a statement.
They called for the 2027 election to be defined by political programmes and competing ideas rather than intimidation and violence.
“The 2027 General Election must be a contest of ideas-not intimidation; ballots-not bullets; democracy-not violence,” they said.
The leaders also raised concerns over the safety of journalists, police officers and other citizens during political activities.
“No Kenyan should lose their life, their liberty or their livelihood because of politics. No journalist should fear death for carrying a camera. No police officer should be forced to choose between the Constitution and political interests,” they said.
The United Opposition leaders said the escalating incidents of political violence reported in different parts of the country could no longer be dismissed as isolated confrontations between rival political supporters.
They argued that, taken together, the incidents raised questions about the neutrality of security institutions, protection of constitutional freedoms and Kenya’s preparedness for a peaceful, free and credible election in 2027.
They cited reported attacks involving former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Rongai Constituency, Nakuru County, an incident involving former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i at Mulot in Bomet County, as well as violence surrounding Linda Mwananchi activities in Homa Bay and Keumbu in Kisii County.
The leaders said the incidents should be subjected to independent investigations, particularly reports that some of the attacks occurred in the presence or within the operational reach of police officers.
They questioned how organised groups of armed civilians could repeatedly mobilise and move openly while allegedly attacking political leaders, journalists, citizens and even police officers.
“The Government must explain how organised groups of armed civilians can repeatedly mobilise, move openly, attack political leaders, journalists, citizens and even police officers, and apparently operate with such confidence,” they said.
The opposition leaders maintained that protecting democracy was a shared responsibility involving citizens, political leaders, constitutional institutions and the international community.
They urged Kenyans to reject political violence regardless of who perpetrates it or who stands to benefit.
