Nyeri Township MP Duncan Maina Mathenge now says there is need to amend some of Kenya’s existing laws to help tame political violence in the run up to the 2027 poll.
Mathenge alleges the Public Order Act and sections of the Penal Code are currently insufficient to deter acts of violence and hooliganism during political gatherings and therefore the need for Parliament to relook at them afresh.
He argues that if the laws are tightened and severe penalties imposed, politicians who hire and incite their supporters into acts of violence and hooliganism will be reluctant to do so owing to the hefty penalties such violations would attract.
“I have crafted both a motion to be debated in parliament and also a proposal to amend certain laws in the country: the Public Order Act, the Penal Code and the National Integration and Cohesion Act so that the scenario that is here with us currently can be put to an end. For instance, besides the notifications, what other obligations are conferred on the conveners (of political rallies)?” he posed during Tuesday’s breakfast show on Citizen TV.
This is not the first attempt for lawmakers to draft a Bill to regulate the conduct of demonstrations and political gatherings in the country.
In 2024 then Mbeere MP (current Public Service CS), Geoffrey Ruku, had proposed a similar Bill to provide a legal framework for the regulation of assemblies and demonstrations.
Part III of Ruku’s Assembly and Demonstrations Bill 2024 had specified the prohibitions during demonstrations and also called for the imposition of liability for damage on an organization or person who convened or took part in such gatherings.
In defence of his bill, the former lawmaker argued that the current legal framework as anchored in the Public Order Act of 1952 was archaic and inadequate to address today’s demonstrations and therefore in need of overhaul. The bill is yet to be assented to law.
Mathenge has similarly raised alarm over increasing verbal attacks among political opponents which he has likened to a ticking powder keg.
He warns that unless politicians show restraint on what they say during political gatherings, the chances of the country holding peaceful campaigns ahead of the next elections may never be attained.
While describing himself as a peace loving leader throughout his 15-year- political career amidst provocations from his nemesis, the MP said it was leaders who keep attacking others in public who fuel animosity and violence among the electorate.
“The genesis of the violence we have seen in this county, the physical violence, is the verbal violence that has been meted out on other leaders. I included. When someone decides to come to Nyeri and calls me all kinds of names, that violence will beget violence,” he pointed out.
“All of us have to have political discipline. We cannot normalise insults, hatred and vitriol expect the other section of Kenyans who are subject to this verbal insult, hatred and vitriol to sit back. That’s why I have remained silent and peaceful and resisted retaliating. It is personal discipline.”
The MP has also faulted former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for what he claims are unwarranted attacks against Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja over failure to arrest those who were behind chaos witnessed at Witima ACK Church on January 25, 2026.
Mathenge noted while Rigathi and his ilk are accusing the police of inaction over the matter, they have on their part failed to record a single statement with the relevant investigative arms of the government on what transpired on that day.
While condemning the incidents, Mathenge termed the event unfortunate but nevertheless challenged the former DP to follow up the matter to its logical conclusion including telling Kenyans what he knows about circumstances surrounding the shooting and lobbing of tear gas canisters inside the church.
“I unreservedly condemn the attacks that happened at Witima ACK in Othaya. However, we should not take as gospel the truth of what the visitors (politicians in attendance) are saying. We have to have somebody who establishes the truth for us. That truth can only be established by the institutions that we have given the power and mandate to investigate,” he explains.
Many leaders both from Nyeri and without have called for a thorough probe into circumstances that led to the chaos witnessed at the church in which Rigathi Gachagua was in attendance.
The Sunday services were cut short abruptly after skirmishes erupted that also saw the stoning of several vehicles by individuals suspected to be goons.
Gachagua later blamed Police for the chaos alleging that little was done to avert the violence that forced worshippers and clerics scamper to safety.
While reacting to the incident, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga had called for prompt and thorough investigations into the chaos which he described as unfortunate and uncalled for.
He noted that while Rigathi was no longer a public officer, he just like anyone else should be guaranteed of his security and also be at liberty to attend any part of the country without fear of attack.
He nevertheless urged the public to remain calm and allow Police to dig into the root cause of what transpired and ensure appropriate action is taken against the perpetrators of the violence.
“I wish to condemn these atrocious and uncalled-for attacks on Rigathi Gachagua and his team in a church in Witima. The former deputy president has a democratic and constitutional right to visit any part of this country, attend church in any church and associate with anyone of his choice. “I urge the people of this county and country to be patient,” he posted on his official Facebook page.
On her part, Nyeri Woman Representative Rahab Mukami called for utmost reverence for houses of worship saying what happened at Witima ACK church was unacceptable.
In this regard, Mukami urged leaders in the country to accord places of worship dignity, protection, and the tranquility they deserve and conduct any other personal or political business outside the precincts of hallowed places.
She stated that while political differences may create schisms between leaders, such ideologies should not lead to violent confrontations that may lead to defilement of places of worship or loss of innocent lives.
“I strongly condemn taking political confrontations into places of worship, including the use of tear gas in churches. Such actions are reckless, wrong, and endanger innocent worshippers. Political differences are part of democracy, but they must be handled responsibly and with respect,” she posted on her Facebook account.
“Those with political disagreements should resolve them outside places of worship and allow churches to remain spaces of unity, reflection, and mutual respect. Let us choose restraint, humanity, and respect for one another.”
Following the incident, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen had directed the IG to launch investigations into the chaos that was witnessed at Witima ACK Church and ensure those behind the violence were brought to book.
Murkomen also condemned the events that transpired inside and outside the church forcing worshippers to scamper for safety after tear gas and gun shots rent the air warning that such incidents are unacceptable at a place of worship.
“I have noted with great concern the incident at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County. Violence anywhere, and least of all in a place of worship, is unacceptable. I have spoken with the Inspector General of Police, Mr Douglas Kanja, who has assured me that investigations are underway with the urgency this matter deserves and that the perpetrators will be brought to justice,” directed Murkomen.
The CS also ordered security agents to move with speed and ensure those behind the chaos are apprehended and taken to court regardless of the social or political standings in the country.
By Samuel Maina
