Political Violence Raises Red Flags Ahead of 2027 General Election

The country is currently facing a series of violent incidents in certain areas, which has raised concerns as the next General Election is still four years away.

It is crucially important that politicians and law enforcement work together to tackle and resolve this issue. In recent weeks, there have been disruptive events where followers of political leaders, particularly those associated with President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga, have engaged in physical altercations or verbal clashes in public settings. The aggression has also been intensified by internal divisions within political parties, and there are allegations that the police have not adequately arrested the culprits and have possibly worsened the situation.

The ongoing conflict between Kisii Governor Simba Arati and National Assembly Minority Whip Sylvanus Osoro of UDA in Kisii is the main cause for concern. While Mr. Osoro has not publicly declared his intention to challenge Mr. Arati, the governor's supporters believe that the attacks against him are intended to weaken his position before the upcoming elections. These incidents in the county have resulted in four individuals sustaining gun wounds, leading Mr Odinga's ODM party to express concerns about Mr Arati's well-being and security.

The authorities are being urged to take action against the officers involved in the assault. Mr Osoro, who is believed to be implicated, should at least be requested to provide a statement if he is too influential to be apprehended, as per Mr Sifuna's suggestion. However, Mr. Osoro refutes any association with the attacks and asserts his willingness to engage in dialogue, which Mr. Arati's supporters view with suspicion. In Busia, Governor Paul Otuoma encountered jeering during an ODM recruitment effort led by Mr Odinga, resulting in a confrontation. Likewise, in Bungoma County, a disruption occurred during an ODM recruitment event, as young individuals chanted in support of Moses Wetang'ula, the National Assembly Speaker and Ford Kenya party leader, and even resorted to throwing stones.

According to Prof. Macharia Munene from the United States International University, the conflict in the Western region between Arati and Osoro is caused by the ongoing power struggle between Raila and Ruto supporters. Political analyst Herman Manyora suggests that these tensions stem from two main factors: the increasing influence of ODM and Ruto's ability to attract opposition governors. Conversely, Mr. Sifuna attributes the unrest to specific individuals within the Kenya Kwanza government. However, Mr. Chikati of Ford Kenya claims that Mr. Wetang'ula and his party cannot be held accountable for the Wednesday attack.