Mounting cases of politically linked violence have drawn sharp criticism from grassroots organisations, who now accuse security agencies of turning a blind eye to some offenders while acting swiftly in other areas, raising fears over public safety and the integrity of the 2027 electoral process.
In a joint statement released on Friday, April 17, 2026, a coalition of community-based groups said the country is witnessing a worrying rise in organised disruptions at political events, where hired groups are allegedly deployed to intimidate rivals, block gatherings, and stir unrest.
The organisations said the pattern mirrors tactics seen during the 2024 Gen Z protests, warning that the situation is now spilling into broader political activity.
The groups involved include VOCAL Africa, Mukuru Social Justice Centre, Kituo Cha Haki Kibera, Dagoretti Women with Power, Utalii Mathare Community Organisation and Dandora Grassroots Women Movement.
According to the coalition, the incidents are no longer isolated but appear coordinated and are being used to influence political space in different regions. They expressed concern that many of those involved are young people from informal settlements, who are being drawn into these activities and exposed to violence for political ends.
“The normalisation of violence as a political tool is not only irresponsible but is a direct invitation to chaos and anarchy as we edge closer to the 2027 General Elections. History has shown us that once violence is unleashed and institutionalised, it rarely remains controlled.”
The organisations also questioned how police are responding to such incidents, citing what they described as uneven application of the law.
They referred to events in Kitale, where more than 170 suspects were arrested after disruptions during the Niko Kadi/Tuko Kadi voter registration drive, saying the response showed the ability of police to act decisively. However, they raised concern over a separate incident in Kikuyu linked to a political function attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, where clashes and road blockades were reported but no similar arrests were made.
“The police have the capacity to act, as demonstrated in Kitale. What we are witnessing is a deliberate choice to shield certain perpetrators and their sponsors,” the statement read.
The coalition warned that continued inaction would force them to seek legal redress against officers in charge, including County Commanders, OCPDs and OCSs, in their personal capacity.
Their concerns come at a time when the National Police Service, led by Inspector General Douglas Kanja, has reported a 5 percent drop in crime in 2025 compared to 2024. Kanja attributed the decline to intelligence-led operations, closer coordination among agencies, and ongoing crackdowns on organised crime and other illegal activities.
He also reaffirmed the service’s commitment to professionalism, respect for human rights, and enforcement of the law, while warning against the use of criminal groups to disrupt public order.
Even with the reported drop in overall crime, the organisations insist that politically driven violence remains a serious issue that must be handled consistently across all regions. They called for accountability within policing structures and urged authorities to apply the law equally.
The coalition further appealed to Kenyans to stay alert as the country moves closer to the next elections, cautioning that unchecked political violence could weaken democratic processes if not addressed through fair and impartial policing