NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s leading legal organisations have raised alarm over what they describe as escalating political violence, hate speech and “goonism” ahead of the 2027 General Election, warning that growing impunity could undermine the country’s constitutional democracy and electoral process.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), East Africa Law Society (EALS), Federation of Women Lawyers–Kenya (FIDA Kenya) and the Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya) issued the warning in a joint statement dated August 14, 2026, following deliberations during the LSK Annual Conference.
The organisations said they were particularly concerned by the entrenchment of political “goonism”, proliferation of hate speech and politically motivated violence, including sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
They cited a series of incidents they said pointed to an emerging pattern of political intimidation, including the disruption of a civic forum at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi on June 12, an attempted attack on St Stephen’s Cathedral in Kisumu on July 12, the fatal Keumbu violence of July 3, and alleged intimidation and violence against voters during the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election on July 16.
The lawyers also raised concern over threats of violence ahead of political rallies in Homa Bay, calling on state agencies to act proactively to protect citizens and prevent further violations.
Lawyers accuse authorities of allowing impunity
The legal organisations said a review of the incidents revealed what they described as a “disturbing pattern of impunity”.
They alleged that cases involving hate speech are sometimes selectively referred for prosecution and later stall, while organisers and financiers of criminal gangs remain beyond the reach of the law.
The groups also raised concerns over inadequate mechanisms for reporting and investigating SGBV and allegations of police involvement in attacks against civilians.
They warned that failure to address the concerns could normalise violence and intimidation as tools of political competition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Call for prosecution of political violence financiers
The organisations urged the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the National Police Service (NPS) and the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to go beyond arresting and prosecuting individuals who directly participate in violence.
They called for investigations into people who organise, finance, recruit, facilitate or otherwise benefit from political violence and SGBV, regardless of their political status or connections.
The statement also reminded ODPP Director Renson Mulele Ingonga of his constitutional mandate under Article 157, which gives the office prosecutorial powers without fear, favour, bias or prejudice.
The organisations further called on Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to ensure policing during political activities is lawful, proportionate, people-centred and intelligence-led.
They said security agencies should protect peaceful assemblies, political activities and civic engagement while strengthening trust between communities and law enforcement.
NCIC urged to act on hate speech
The legal groups also urged the newly constituted National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to take decisive action against hate speech and ethnic incitement, particularly when such rhetoric comes from political leaders.
They warned that inflammatory political rhetoric could further undermine national cohesion, peace and security as the country approaches the next election.
The organisations said the legal profession would continue monitoring election-related developments, documenting violations, providing legal aid and supporting victims and survivors while pursuing accountability through available legal avenues.
Rights to peaceful participation must be protected
The four organisations reminded Kenyans that the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association and participation in political and public affairs.
They warned that attempts to undermine those rights through violence, intimidation or hate speech must attract legal consequences.
“The situation is dire and demands urgent, concerted, and decisive action from all duty bearers,” the organisations said, pledging to work with Kenyans towards what they described as a peaceful, free, just and fair 2027 electoral process.
The statement was signed by LSK President Charles Kanjama, EALS President Ramadhan Abubakar, ICJ Kenya Chairperson Christine Alai and FIDA Kenya Chairperson Christine Kungu.
