NAIROBI, Kenya- Key opposition leaders in Kenya have strongly condemned the government of President William Ruto, accusing security agencies and unauthorised groups of enabling hired goons to disrupt opposition rallies and intimidate political opponents.
At a press conference in Kisii County on Tuesday, leaders from the United Opposition criticised what they described as escalating political violence and laxity by security agencies amid a series of regional mobilisation events.
Former Deputy President and the leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), Rigathi Gachagua, said that police officers were acting under pressure to collaborate with hired gangs to frustrate opposition campaigns.
He said the opposition is documenting incidents of alleged police excesses and goon involvement, warning that those culpable would be held accountable under a future administration.
“It appears security personnel are being put under pressure to work with goons to disrupt our meetings,” Gachagua said, adding that his camp was committed to capturing evidence of such incidents.
Jubilee Party deputy leader Fred Matiang’i also condemned the use of force and intimidation, saying attacks on political opponents undermine democratic norms.
He emphasised that political differences should be resolved through peaceful engagement and respect for citizens’ rights.
“It is unfortunate that some leaders are resorting to violence to silence others. We must allow citizens to make their own political choices without intimidation,” Matiang’i said.
This morning, together with my colleagues from the United Alternative Government, we held a press conference to strongly condemn the disruption of peaceful meetings in Kisii by hired goons. We reaffirmed that it is the constitutional duty of the government to guarantee security
Leaders from other parties, including Kalonzo Musyoka of the Wiper Patriotic Front and Eugene Wamalwa of DAP‑Kenya, joined in denouncing the chaos, describing it as a violation of democratic principles and calling for a return to the rule of law.
The criticism follows several opposition rallies in the region that witnessed disruptions, including the use of teargas at an event in Kakamega and allegations of unauthorised groups confronting political convoys.
Despite these disruptions, the opposition declared its intention to continue its mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The government and security agencies have not publicly responded to these specific accusations at the time of reporting.
Asanteni sana Marani, Kitutu Chache North, Kisii County.We, as the next government of this nation, we have heard your resolve. Together with my brothers H.E Rigathi Gachagua, Dr Fred Matiang’i, Hon. Eugene Wamalwa, Hon. Peter Munya alongside Members of Parliament, Senators,
