National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged young Kenyans to reject political violence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking after a fellowship at St Paul’s Catholic Church in Kanduyi, Bungoma County, Wetang’ula told the youth not to allow politicians to turn them against each other.
He called on Christians to pray for the country and young people whom he said were increasingly being exploited by politicians and branded goons.
He urged residents of Bungoma and other parts of the country to maintain peace during the election period saying voters should cast their ballots according to their conscience and return home peacefully.
“Let us not have youths fighting each other because of politics. When we reach elections, go to the polling station, vote according to your conscience and go home,” Wetang’ula said.
The hiring of organised criminal gangs and unemployed youth by politicians to disrupt rallies, intimidate opponents, and cause chaos has emerged as a major security threat ahead of Kenya's 2027 General Election.
President William Ruto has ordered the National Police Service to target not just the youth carrying out acts of violence, but also the politicians and elites financing them.
In his remarks, the Speaker also used the occasion to rally Western Kenya behind Ruto’s bid for a second term calling for unity in support of the President.
Wetang’ula also defended the independence of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) amid growing criticism of its procurement processes.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that the commission’s tender for an Integrated Elections Management System (IEMS) was designed to favour South Korean firm Miru Systems and could compromise the 2027 election.
However, IEBC Chairman Erastus Ethekon has rejected the claims saying no company has been awarded the tender and that the procurement remains at an early stage.
The commission has also maintained that the process is being conducted in accordance with the Constitution and procurement law.
Wetang’ula said politicians seeking elective office should allow the electoral agency to undertake its constitutional mandate without interference.
“If you are a player, don’t choose the referee. Go to the field and play to win,” he said.
He added: “We cannot be players and the referee at the same time.”
The Speaker said politicians should concentrate on persuading voters through their policies, programmes and agendas rather than attempting to dictate how the electoral body conducts its affairs.
His comments come as IEBC undertakes major preparations for the 2027 polls, including procurement of election technology, ballot papers and other materials.
Wetang’ula said procurement matters should be left to the commission while politicians should wait for the election and compete for votes.
