Mathare women addressing the media on August 24, 2026/ HANDOUTA group of women from Mathare has condemned violence reported in Homa Bay over the past two weeks, urging political leaders and their supporters to reject intimidation and embrace peaceful engagement as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.
In a statement issued on Monday, the women said they were concerned by reports of injuries and loss of life linked to the violence, as well as allegations that some political leaders may have been involved in orchestrating or encouraging the incidents.
“We join fellow Kenyans in strongly condemning the heinous acts of violence reported in Homa Bay over the past two weeks,” the statement read in part.
The women urged Kenyans to remain vigilant during the emerging election period and reject violence allegedly incited or sanctioned by political leaders.
They described political violence as a threat to democratic participation, social cohesion and national stability, saying political competition should instead be driven by ideas, policies and persuasion.
The women said their call was informed by their experience of the consequences of political violence in previous election periods, particularly the effects on families and communities.
“Women in this country understand better than most the devastating consequences of violence,” they said, adding that women had witnessed periods when political intolerance resulted in suffering, loss and division.
They said the experiences had enabled women to recognise early warning signs of political violence and the consequences that can follow when such behaviour is not addressed.
The women called for restraint, accountability and peaceful political engagement as political activity increases ahead of the 2027 polls.
They also appealed to young people not to allow themselves to be used in political confrontations.
“To our young people, our children, and our siblings: do not allow yourselves to be used as instruments for settling political disputes through violence,” the statement said.
The group urged young people not to accept mobilisation against fellow Kenyans for political purposes, saying their energy, talents and strength should instead contribute to building the country.
The women further called on political leaders seeking elective office to exercise restraint, tolerate opposing views and engage their rivals respectfully regardless of their political differences.
“We are not prepared to sacrifice our children and siblings on the altar of political ambition,” they said.
The statement also addressed women seeking political office, with the group noting that women have made progress in gaining representation in elected positions despite historical and systemic barriers in politics.
The women urged female political leaders to maintain peaceful and lawful engagement and cautioned that allegations linking women politicians to violence could undermine public confidence in women's leadership.
They said such allegations could also threaten gains made through years of advocacy and sacrifice to increase women's participation in politics.
The group called on all political actors, supporters and institutions to uphold peace and reject violence during the electoral period.
The statement comes as political activity intensifies in different parts of the country ahead of the 2027 General Election, with leaders and political groups increasingly engaging voters and building grassroots support.
The women urged political actors to ensure the electoral period reflects democratic values and allows Kenyans to participate in politics without violence or intimidation.
