Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has challenged President William Ruto to take decisive action against political violence, saying Kenya has the security capacity to stop armed gangs accused of disrupting political activities and intimidating citizens.
Speaking during a public engagement on Saturday, July 25, 2026, Matiang’i said the country should not tolerate groups carrying clubs, machetes and arrows to attack political rivals, disrupt meetings and instill fear among members of the public. He argued that such incidents have no place in a country with a functioning government.
“We are not a country without a government. We are not a banana republic. We have a government in place… Act decisively, Mr. President, and firmly, and ensure that these things are sorted out,” Matiang’i said.
The Jubilee Deputy Party Leader maintained that the government has both the responsibility and the ability to restore order, adding that the law should be applied equally without regard to political affiliation or personal relationships.
“Whether they are your friends, whether they are in your government, sort them out. The law is there for all of us,” he added.
Matiang’i also used the occasion to present himself as a leader capable of tackling insecurity, saying political violence would not be tolerated if he were entrusted with the country's leadership after the 2027 General Election.
“This thing wouldn’t happen if I was president. You will never, ever talk about this thing if I was in charge. How can I be commander-in-chief of a country where people carry rungus around and beat others? It will not work. If you want a solution to those issues, I think I am that solution,” he said.
His remarks come as concern continues to grow over organised groups accused of disrupting political rallies, public demonstrations and official events through violence, intimidation and destruction of property. The incidents have renewed debate over public security, political tolerance and enforcement of the rule of law.
President Ruto has recently defended the government's security record, saying the success achieved in dealing with terrorism and banditry demonstrates that security agencies are capable of confronting organised criminal gangs.
“Those terrorists who made life difficult for us, we annihilated them. Bandits and cattle rustlers are not anymore. Those who burnt businesses during demonstrations are no more also,” Ruto said.
The President has also said there is now broad agreement on the need to eliminate goonism, which he linked to political violence and public disorder.
“These goons, there are people who have been sympathetic to them. We are all now in agreement that we will end goonism in the country,” Ruto said.
The debate over political violence has continued to attract criticism from political leaders, civil society organisations and human rights groups, who have called for impartial investigations and accountability for individuals accused of organising or financing violent attacks.
Matiang’i's latest remarks add to the growing political contest over security and governance as leaders continue to position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with political violence emerging as one of the key issues dominating public debate.