Nakuru Senator and Deputy Majority Leader Tabitha Karanja has called on security agencies to dismantle organised political goonism, warning that rising cases of violence and intimidation could undermine Kenya’s democracy and peaceful campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during an engagement with opinion leaders at her Naivasha residence, Karanja said incidents of violence witnessed during church events, political rallies and campaigns had continued to increase despite government assurances that perpetrators would face legal action.
Her remarks come after the Ol Kalou by-election, where reports of violence, intimidation and disruption attracted condemnation from leaders across the political divide.
During the election exercise, rival supporters reportedly clashed in several areas, leaving some people injured, while journalists covering the poll said they were harassed by suspected goons.
Karanja alleged that individuals involved in the chaos had planned their actions in advance and that their identities were already known.
She urged security agencies to take decisive action against those behind political violence, saying failure to act could encourage criminal groups and weaken public confidence in democratic institutions.
“I urge Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja to be honest with Kenyans and arrest these criminals once and for all because they are well known to the people,” she said.
The senator warned that continued political violence could also affect the economy by discouraging investors and creating uncertainty, undermining efforts to build a stable environment for businesses.
She said leaders sponsoring violence risked damaging the country’s reputation and threatening the government’s commitment to promoting economic growth.
Karanja also attributed the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party’s defeat in the Ol Kalou by-election to what she described as arrogance and excessive confidence among some leaders within the party.
She claimed that despite heavy investment in the campaign, voters rejected the party’s candidate because of what she termed as displays of arrogance, violence and offensive political rhetoric.
“It is time the President reconstituted his inner circle because the current one is tarnishing his name and is responsible for the loss in Ol Kalou,” she said.
Karanja warned that the party’s image was being damaged and could lead some leaders to consider shifting allegiance ahead of the next General Election.
She accused some politicians of promoting vote buying, intimidation and divisive politics instead of engaging voters through meaningful discussions on development issues.
The senator condemned alleged harassment of journalists during the Ol Kalou by-election, saying media practitioners play a critical role in informing the public and should be allowed to carry out their duties without interference.
She said attacks against journalists undermine constitutional guarantees on media freedom and weaken accountability during electoral processes.
Karanja further criticized the use of young people to perpetrate violence during political activities, saying youths should instead be empowered through employment opportunities, skills development and economic support.
By Erastus Gichohi and Beatrice Wanjiku
