NAIROBI, Kenya — National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called on political leaders and their supporters to embrace peaceful, issue-based campaigns and reject the growing culture of political goonism ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Wetang’ula said political competition should never be allowed to divide Kenyans, urging politicians to focus on ideas, policies and development rather than mobilising violence against opponents.
The Speaker spoke in Ikolomani while condoling Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale following the death of his wife, Mama Gloria Sekeiyan Khalwale.
“I plead again with our young people and, indeed, even with us as politicians, to endeavor to remain peaceful because, away from politics, we are all brothers and sisters. Politics must never divide us,” Wetang’ula said.
He warned that the emergence of political goonism posed a serious threat to national security and could undermine Kenyans’ constitutional rights to peaceful political participation and credible elections.
Wetang’ula urged voters to assess candidates based on their leadership credentials, policies and ability to serve the public rather than being influenced by political intimidation or violence.
Leaders warn against political violence
Other leaders at the gathering backed Wetang’ula’s appeal, warning that political violence could undermine Kenya’s economic progress and social cohesion.
Ikolomani MP Innocent Mugabe urged residents to maintain peace during the final send-off ceremony for Mama Gloria, regardless of the political affiliations of leaders attending the event.
“As Ikolomani people, we are peace-loving Kenyans, and I ask that we demonstrate the same tomorrow during the final send-off,” Mugabe said.
Kakamega County MP Elsie Muhanda also appealed for tolerance, describing the late Mama Gloria as an accommodating and hospitable person who would have expected mourners and visitors to treat one another peacefully during the ceremony.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei called for restraint as politicians begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
Cherargey, who described Senator Khalwale as one of the Senate’s most effective debaters, cautioned Kenyans against interpreting political disagreements as personal disputes or conflict.
He urged leaders and their supporters to distinguish between legitimate differences in political opinion and conduct that could trigger confrontation.
2027 campaigns raise concern over violence
Wetang’ula’s remarks come as political activity intensifies ahead of the August 10, 2027 General Election, with parties and individual politicians increasingly mobilising supporters across the country.
The warning against goonism also comes amid growing concerns about the role of organised groups in political rallies and confrontations, particularly as competition for elective positions intensifies.
Wetang’ula said politicians have a responsibility to ensure that their supporters do not turn political contests into violent confrontations.
His call places responsibility on both political leaders and young people to preserve peace, particularly during campaign rallies and other political gatherings.
The Speaker also conveyed President William Ruto’s condolences and goodwill to the Khalwale family following the death of Mama Gloria.
