NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association has strongly condemned the killing of Rachel Wandeto following a violent attack in Kasarani, Nairobi, warning that growing political intolerance threatens Kenya’s democracy and national stability.
In a statement issued on Monday, KEWOPA joined the family, friends, and the country in mourning Wandeto’s death, describing the incident as a grave violation of constitutional rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution of Kenya 2010.
The association said the attack violated protections under Articles 26, 27, 28, and 29 of the Constitution, which safeguard the right to life, equality, human dignity, and personal security.
“No woman should have to live in fear, and no family should have to endure the pain of losing a loved one through violence,” the statement read.
KEWOPA further warned that violence linked to political expression and perceived political affiliations poses a growing threat to democratic participation and public trust in State institutions.
Calls for Arrests and Prosecution
The women legislators’ lobby urged the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to move swiftly and ensure a transparent investigation into the incident.
The association demanded that all individuals involved, whether directly or indirectly, be identified, arrested, and prosecuted without delay.
“Violence is a direct assault on democracy and must be confronted decisively through law, justice, and accountability,” KEWOPA stated.
The association also called on public figures and political actors to exercise restraint and reject narratives that normalise or justify violence against citizens.
According to KEWOPA, Kenya’s constitutional order is anchored on peaceful coexistence, justice, and the protection of fundamental rights.
Concerns Over Political Intolerance
The organisation expressed concern over what it described as an emerging pattern of targeted violence and growing intolerance in public life.
KEWOPA warned that the trend could weaken democratic participation and erode confidence in public protection mechanisms if left unchecked.
“This trend must be decisively confronted through the enforcement of the law and accountability for perpetrators,” the statement added.
The association also called for stronger protection mechanisms for citizens, especially women and young people, against violence linked to public expression or political positioning.
