Deputy President Kithure Kindiki speaks during a church service in Kapsaret, Uasin Gishu County/DPCSDeputy President Kithure Kindiki has warned politicians against using youth to fight their political battles, saying the government will deal firmly with leaders who incite violence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a church service in Kapsaret, Uasin Gishu County, Kindiki said political competition should be based on ideas and competing development plans rather than hatred and violence.
Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli and Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii accompanied him.
“Political competition is not war. Political competition is a contest of ideas, plans, manifesto, who has the best?" Kindiki said.
He said the politician with the most convincing ideas should be given an opportunity to lead, while those who fail to impress voters should wait for another election.
“The one with the best gets the chance to lead. One who is not impressive waits for another day,” he said.
Kindiki urged politicians to avoid rhetoric and actions that could fuel hatred and undermine peace.
“Do not bring hatred,” he said, warning leaders against engaging in political competition that could trigger chaos and violence.
“All leaders should not engage in competition that brings chaos and violence.”
The Deputy President said the government would not allow individuals to disrupt peace in the country, particularly as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Those who want to disrupt the peace in the country, we will not allow them,” he said.
Kindiki backed Murkomen's warning that the government would pursue politicians accused of inciting young people to engage in violence.
“And I agree with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen when he said the same way we have dealt with cattle rustlers, we will deal with politicians who are inciting youth to attack each other,” he said.
Kindiki issued a direct warning to political leaders who he accused of using young people to fight political battles.
“Your days are numbered, political leaders inciting youth to fight political battles. We will not allow,” he said.
He said Kenya could not afford to become a country where political disagreements are settled through violence and intimidation.
“We cannot let our nation be a country of goons,” Kindiki said.
The Deputy President further challenged Murkomen to take action against individuals involved in political violence regardless of their political affiliation.
“Murkomen, you are up to the task. Deal with them,” Kindiki said.
“It is very easy to rid the country of goons. Arrest all goons, those in government and those in Opposition.”
Kindiki's remarks come against the backdrop of growing concerns over political violence and the alleged use of organised youth groups to disrupt political gatherings ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Political rallies and public meetings have recently been disrupted in several parts of the country, including Nairobi, Homa Bay, Kisumu, Nyeri and Kisii, with some incidents resulting in injuries, deaths and destruction of property.
