By BOB WASWANI
April 12, 2026| National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has raised alarm over a surge in political violence at public rallies, warning that the trend threatens to erode democratic space as the country edges closer to the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a church service at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Siyoi, in Kapenguria Constituency, Wetang’ula cautioned that organised disruptions linked to a resurgence of “goonism” could undermine public confidence in the electoral process if left unchecked .
“The increasing incidents of political violence and intimidation must not be tolerated. They undermine the constitutional right to association and create fear among citizens,” he said.
His concerns were echoed by Catholic Bishop Emeritus Maurice Crowley, who blamed political actors for fuelling unrest by sponsoring disruptive groups. He warned of a troubling trajectory reminiscent of past election cycles.
“I challenge politicians to stop goonism and the politics of insults and division if they truly love their country,” the Bishop said.
The clergy also urged Kenyans to take personal responsibility in rejecting violence and divisive rhetoric, calling on security agencies to act firmly to restore order.
A Nationwide Concern
Wetang’ula’s warning comes amid heightened national anxiety over political violence. Just a day earlier, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua alleged that the government was using criminal gangs to suppress dissent, warning that this “goonism” could plunge the country into civil war if not addressed .
Catholic Archbishop of Mombasa Dominic Kimengich also expressed concern over the escalating culture of political violence, stating that the country is heading in the wrong direction and calling on state institutions to safeguard constitutional freedoms .
Civil society organisations have similarly sounded the alarm, noting that the resurgence of organised violence—alongside unresolved land disputes and ethnic politics—could easily ignite violence in the run-up to the elections .
Speaker Warns the Youth
Speaker Wetang’ula specifically cautioned young people against being lured into politically instigated violence, warning that such actions could jeopardise their future and expose them to legal consequences .
“The culture of goonism has no place in a democratic society. Every Kenyan must feel safe to engage in political processes without fear,” he said.
He called on security agencies to act decisively in maintaining law and order, urging the state to protect peaceful political engagement rather than allowing impunity to take root.
Development and Resource Sharing
Turning to development, the Speaker noted that West Pokot County holds significant untapped potential, particularly in mineral resources such as gold and limestone .
Wetang’ula said the government is advancing the Natural Resources Benefit Sharing Bill, 2022, aimed at ensuring communities derive fair value from local resources through a structured framework for sharing royalties from extractive industries .
Mining Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho has previously indicated that the ministry holds extensive geological data confirming valuable minerals in regions like West Pokot, and new regulations are being developed to ensure host communities receive their share of proceeds immediately .
Political Realignments
Wetang’ula was accompanied by several leaders, including West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin, Senator Julius Murgor, Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto, Webuye East MP Martin Pepela, and former Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha.
The leaders criticised opposition figures over what they termed as disrespect towards President William Ruto, while also faulting former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for allegedly leading attacks against the Head of State.
Governor Kachapin, alongside MPs Kasiwai and Pepela, cautioned against the resurgence of tribal politics, insisting that national unity must take precedence over ethnic interests.
“Kenya is bigger than any tribal leader. We will not sit back and watch leaders promote tribalism at the expense of national unity,” said Kachapin.
The leaders reaffirmed their support for President Ruto and expressed confidence in his development agenda, aligning with recent statements by Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka and other regional leaders who have vowed to rally the Western region behind the President’s re-election bid .