Political leaders planning to use crowds to block or disrupt rival meetings have been warned that security agencies will not allow such actions as parties and political groups begin holding more public gatherings ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government would provide security to political leaders and their supporters regardless of the side they support, insisting that every group should be allowed to hold its meetings peacefully.
Murkomen spoke at the 61st graduation ceremony at Scott Theological College in Machakos, where he addressed concerns surrounding a political meeting planned by the Linda Mwananchi faction in Homa Bay on Sunday.
His warning followed claims by leaders linked to the faction that attempts could be made to interfere with the gathering by mobilising youths and discouraging traders and other residents from attending.
Siaya Governor James Orengo said security agencies should ensure people planning to attend the rally are protected.
“If the police and the authorities cannot undertake their legal and constitutional duty by offering protection to those who will come to the rally, we are also very well prepared to make sure that everybody who will come to the rally will be safe," said Orengo.
Orengo's concerns were supported by Bumula MP Jack Wamboka and Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga.
Murkomen said his ministry would not deny security to political groups because of their views or their position towards the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“As a ministry, our duty is to make sure that our country is safe. People will campaign everywhere, regardless of their political affiliations,” he said.
The CS said political disagreements should not affect the government's duty to keep leaders and their supporters safe during public meetings.
He noted that some politicians who were once his allies had since turned against him and were publicly attacking him, but said that would not stop him from ensuring their gatherings receive protection.
“I know some of my friends, our former friends, have been insulting me left, right and centre. But it’s still my responsibility to ensure that their functions are safe and their meetings are very safe,” he said.
Murkomen said Kenyans should be free to make their own political choices and attend meetings without being exposed to threats or disorder.
“Kenyans deserve services not based on the person they are competing with or supporting politically,” he said.
He urged politicians to respect the right of rival groups to organise meetings and present their views to voters.
The CS said the same principle should apply to political activities planned in Homa Bay, Nakuru and other parts of the country over the weekend.
“I want to ask all these elected politicians and those who are aspiring, even as they campaign this weekend in Homa Bay, in Nakuru and in other places, please make sure that when you go to your meeting, go peacefully,” he said.
He said leaders who disagree with a rival's political agenda should not respond by taking crowds to the rival's venue to cause trouble.
Instead, Murkomen advised politicians to organise separate meetings where they can explain their own plans and seek support from voters.
“When a person has their meeting, allow them to do their meeting and finish and go. You come and do your meeting another day,” he said.
The CS questioned why politicians would choose to disrupt a gathering simply because they did not support the person or ideas being presented at the meeting.
“If you have not subscribed to the policy of one politician, why are you going to their meeting, and why are you organising people to disrupt? Why don’t you organise yours another day, so that Kenya can become peaceful?” Murkomen said.
He also issued a warning to those who may attempt to use violence to interfere with political events.
“I want to assure you that we will deal with all those people who are mobilising goons and violent people to come and disrupt meetings,” he said.
Murkomen said the National Police Service had already received instructions to keep political meetings orderly and protect those taking part in them.
“The National Police Service is well instructed to make sure that meetings continue being peaceful, so that Kenyans can campaign in an environment that is peaceful,” he said.