Kenya: MPs Demand Action As Political Goonism Threatens Public Gatherings
Kenyan lawmakers are expressing concern over the rise of 'political goonism,' where organized groups disrupt public gatherings and funerals. They warn that this violence threatens constitutional freedoms ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Why it matters
The trend of political violence infiltrating community spaces like funerals poses a threat to social cohesion and democratic stability in Kenya.
Nairobi - A section of National Assembly members has raised the alarm over the growing use of organised groups to disrupt political rallies, funerals and other lawful public gatherings, warning that political goonism is threatening citizens' constitutional freedoms and could fuel violence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The lawmakers said the emerging pattern was particularly worrying because violence was no longer confined to political rallies but was increasingly spilling into funerals, church meetings, weddings and other occasions traditionally regarded as spaces for communities to come together peacefully.
The concerns were raised in the National Assembly after West Mugirango MP Stephen Mogaka sought a statement from the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security over what he described as an alarming rise in political violence and insecurity, particularly in Kisii and Nyamira counties.
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