With just over 400 days remaining before Kenya’s 2027 General Election, growing concern is emerging over rising incidents of organised violence, political intolerance and claims of abductions, with many warning that the trend could undermine the country’s democratic space.
The increasing use of hired goons at political gatherings, attacks on places of worship and reports of armed groups operating in public have prompted fresh calls for authorities to restore law and order before the situation worsens.
The concerns come as Kenya continues to contribute police officers to the United Nations-backed Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti, where they are helping combat gang violence. Many Kenyans are now urging the government to address similar security concerns at home before criminal groups become more deeply entrenched.
Recent incidents have left people injured and property damaged, drawing condemnation from political leaders, religious organisations and members of the public.
One of the latest incidents occurred in Keumbu, Kisii County, where supporters and leaders of the Linda Mwananchi movement, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, were attacked by people who pelted stones at their convoy.
The incident sparked widespread criticism.
“What broke me is that there were police officers among the people pelting stones. I have sent those clips to the Inspector-General of Police. We must stop the politics of chaos,” Sifuna said.
The violence has renewed debate over the alleged use of hired groups to disrupt political activities, an issue many leaders say has no place in a democratic society governed by the rule of law.
Separate reports also emerged of armed men wielding pangas while blocking the busy Thika Road near Pangani, raising fresh security concerns.
Although the National Police Service has repeatedly denied allegations that officers are protecting goons, critics continue to question the relationship between security agencies and those accused of carrying out the attacks.
Siaya Governor James Orengo, who is also part of the Linda Mwananchi movement, condemned the violence in Kisii.
“No amount of violence could stop us from reaching Keroka. It is shameful that police escorted the goons who pelted our convoy with stones,” he said.
Former Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu described the incident as disturbing, particularly the reported presence of police officers.
“Even more disturbing is the sight of police officers standing by. Kenyans deserve impartial policing and protection regardless of political affiliation,” he said.
Machogu called on Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja to publicly address the matter, warning that political violence could discourage investment and hurt businesses if left unchecked.
“Leadership should unite people, not create an environment where such incidents occur. We should reject political intolerance and uphold respect, civility and peaceful engagement,” he said.
Starehe MP Amos Mwago warned that the continued recruitment of unemployed young people into political violence risks creating long-term criminal networks.
According to Mwago, young people from informal settlements are often hired to provide security at political events but later regroup into organised gangs when the work disappears.
“The other day there were reports of goons blocking the road at Pangani. You recruit goons gradually but, once the money dries up, they regroup into gangs. They organise themselves and begin terrorising people, including committing robberies in broad daylight,” he said.
He argued that the situation is increasingly being compared to Haiti because criminal groups could continue operating long after political activities end.
The National Police Service said at least seven people had been arrested over the Keumbu incident, while Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda had been summoned to appear before the Kisii County Directorate of Criminal Investigations as investigations continue.
The debate has also played out in the political arena.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen recently exchanged accusations following reports of violence in Ol Kalou during campaigns for upcoming by-elections.
Gachagua alleged that goons had attacked Democratic Change Party (DCP) campaigners and accused security officers of participating in the incidents.
Murkomen dismissed the claims, warning against attempts to incite violence and urging anyone being recruited into unlawful activities to stay away.
The concerns have also drawn strong reactions from religious leaders.
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) expressed alarm that places of worship are increasingly becoming targets of politically motivated violence.
The bishops warned that the use of goons to disrupt public meetings and intimidate citizens threatens the rule of law and fundamental freedoms.
They called on the Inspector-General of Police to ensure transparent investigations, arrests and prosecution of those responsible, including anyone financing or organising the attacks.
“We urge all Kenyans, especially young people, to continue acting responsibly while respecting the dignity of human life and property. We are increasingly concerned that goonism appears to enjoy official support. Can the Government dispel this suspicion? Is there political will to deal with this menace, or is it in the interests of the political elite?” the bishops said.
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) also condemned what it described as the exploitation of unemployed young people for political violence.
“It is immoral, diabolical, insensitive and against God for political leaders to exploit the poverty and unemployment facing young Kenyans by hiring them as goons. We condemn this practice and strongly denounce the apparent collaboration between goons and security agencies,” the council said.
Concern deepened after goons reportedly invaded a meeting at All Saints Cathedral.
Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit demanded the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, saying failure to act would amount to a failure to protect Kenyans.
“If the police cannot bring to book those who attack people in churches, hotels and in broad daylight, and whose faces were captured on CCTV and whose motorcycle registration numbers were clearly visible, then they have failed to protect Kenyans.
“If those responsible are not identified, we demand that the Inspector-General resign because he has failed in his job,” Sapit said.
He warned against a growing culture in which power is associated with intimidation rather than dialogue.
“We live at a time when people are tempted to believe that power belongs to those who command the loudest voices, the biggest crowds or those with the capacity to intimidate others with weapons and even kill,” he said.
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