Civil Society Organisations have warned of a growing wave of political goonism and premature campaigns, saying the trend poses a serious threat to peace and credible elections.
They said the resurgence of organised violence and early politicking risks derailing democratic processes if not urgently addressed, pointing to recent incidents across the country.
Speaking at Lwala Village in Kisumu West Sub-County during the launch of Ubuntu Village – a space for social justice centres – Haki Afrika Executive Director Yusouf Abubakar said the country is witnessing a dangerous drift towards lawlessness in the political arena.
He cited the attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi in Kisumu as evidence of rising impunity, warning that such acts could escalate if unchecked.
“If politicians take the law into their own hands, incidents like what we witnessed will only increase,” he said, adding that institutions mandated to enforce order were being undermined.
Abubakar warned that the resurgence of goonism, alongside unresolved issues such as land disputes and ethnic politics, could easily ignite violence in the run-up to the 2027 general elections.
He also faulted leaders for engaging in early campaigns, accusing them of neglecting their mandates.
“We have clear laws on campaign timelines, but they are being ignored. Leaders should focus on service delivery instead of 2027 politics,” he said.
He raised concerns over voter registration, urging transparency from the electoral agency and warning that confusion around the process risks locking out voters, especially the youth.
Happy Olal, National Coordinator of the Social Justice Centres Movement, said goonism is fast becoming entrenched in Kenya’s politics.
“Politicians are fuelling goonism everywhere. It is a dangerous trend that could undermine the coming elections,” he said.
“The issue of goonism was reintroduced in 2024 during the gen protests and has now taken shape. Everywhere you go, politicians are fuelling it, and it is becoming a very dangerous trend that could affect the coming elections,” Olal added.
He called on security agencies to act decisively, warning that failure to contain the vice could have far-reaching consequences.
Olal also criticised leaders for what he termed as a rush to campaign while still in office.
“The leadership has forgotten they are in power and is already campaigning. They must deliver first. Campaign time will come,” he said.
He challenged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to restore public trust, citing conflicting signals on voter registration, and urged young people to register in large numbers.
Halima Nyota, Secretary of the Social Justice Centres Movement, said the launch of Ubuntu Village comes at a critical time when human rights defenders face mounting threats.
She said the centre will serve as a hub for organising, civic education and strengthening community participation in governance.
“Human rights defenders are being targeted and attacked and, in some cases, killed. This space will help us organise, educate and equip communities to defend their rights,” she said.
Nyota added that Ubuntu Village will provide resources and a platform for collective action, bringing together communities, grassroots movements and activists.
“It is not just a physical space but a platform to strengthen the struggle for social justice and constitutionalism,” she said.
The organisations warned that unless goonism and premature campaigns are curbed, the country risks sliding into violence and undermining democratic gains.
By Chris Mahandara
