NAIROBI, Kenya — Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has condemned violence reported during a Linda Mwananchi political rally in Homa Bay, calling for investigations and prosecution of those found responsible for disrupting the gathering.
Kang’ata said Kenyans should be able to participate in political meetings and express their views without fear of violence, particularly as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a statement, the governor criticised what he described as the use of civilian groups to disrupt political activities and urged security agencies to uphold constitutional rights during public gatherings.
“What we witnessed was not policing. It was sponsored brutality,” Kang’ata said, alleging that groups involved in the disruption had been allowed to operate with impunity.
His remarks followed reported chaos during a Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay, where a convoy associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other leaders allied to the movement was attacked during a tour of the county.
The incident disrupted the political activities, with clashes reported during the visit.
Kang’ata called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the violence, including any public officials found to have enabled unlawful conduct.
He also called for the disbandment of what he described as “shadow units” or political militias allegedly being used against citizens.
The governor further urged authorities to immediately release Linda Mwananchi members he claimed had been arrested while exercising their right to peaceful assembly.
Kang’ata cites constitutional protections
Kang’ata based his argument on constitutional protections governing political participation and the conduct of security agencies.
He cited Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions peacefully and unarmed.
He also invoked Article 29, which protects the right to freedom and security of the person, as well as Article 244, which sets out the constitutional responsibilities of the National Police Service, including professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
“A good government must exercise power as if its worst enemy is holding it tomorrow,” Kang’ata said, urging authorities to uphold the law regardless of political circumstances.
He warned political leaders against normalising the use of violence for political purposes, arguing that such practices could eventually be turned against those currently in power.
“If you normalise goons today, do not cry when goons are used against you tomorrow. Power is temporary. The Constitution is permanent,” Kang’ata said.
The governor said government institutions should document incidents, respect constitutional rights and avoid establishing standards that could later be used against political actors currently in government.
Calls for peaceful political participation
Kang’ata urged residents to continue exercising their constitutional rights to organise, assemble and participate in public affairs while maintaining peaceful conduct.
He said political competition should not be allowed to undermine citizens’ freedoms or create an environment where violence becomes a tool for silencing opponents.
The Homa Bay incident is the latest in a series of disruptions reported around Linda Mwananchi activities in different parts of the country, amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 elections.
