The United Alternative Government has condemned the recent incidents of political violence in Kisumu and Nyahururu, warning that the country risks sliding into a culture of intolerance that could undermine constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the opposition coalition said the confrontations reported over the weekend should concern all Kenyans, regardless of political affiliation, and called for prompt, impartial and transparent investigations to establish the facts surrounding the incidents.
The opposition said the Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to assemble peacefully, associate freely, move without intimidation and participate in political activities, arguing that no citizen should fear attending a church service, political meeting or any other lawful public gathering.
“The disturbing scenes witnessed in Kisumu and Nyahururu over the weekend should concern every Kenyan, regardless of political affiliation. They point to a dangerous and growing pattern of political violence that threatens our constitutional democracy, national cohesion, and the rule of law,” the statement read in part.
“The Constitution of Kenya guarantees every citizen the right to assemble peacefully, associate freely, move without intimidation, and participate in political life.”
The opposition further claimed that recent incidents reflected a pattern of attacks targeting its leaders during lawful public engagements.
It cited an alleged attack on opposition leaders Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua and Eugene Wamalwa en route to a rally in Kikuyu in April, as well as an incident involving Martha Karua while accompanying clients during the implementation of a High Court order at Gatoto Primary School in Mukuru kwa Reuben.
According to the coalition, the incidents raise concerns about whether public institutions are discharging their constitutional mandate impartially.
The statement also cautioned against retaliatory violence, saying political competition should never be resolved through intimidation or mob justice.
“Once violence becomes an accepted instrument of political competition, no community, no political party, and no citizen will remain safe,” the coalition said.
The opposition also accused President William Ruto’s administration of failing to prevent political violence, arguing that the government bears primary responsibility for maintaining law and order.
It also criticised Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, alleging that their involvement in partisan politics had compromised the neutrality of security agencies. The coalition further claimed that police officers had been mobilised from across the country ahead of the Ol Kalou by-election.
“The buck stops with Dr William Ruto and his regime. He is the Chief Executive of the government and bears the greatest responsibility. Ruto swore to respect, uphold and defend the constitution, it is his duty to ensure the security apparatus of the country are functional and up to their duty of maintaining law and order,” the statement said.
The coalition urged officers deployed for the by-election to carry out their duties impartially and reject any unlawful orders that could compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
It also called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure the by-election is conducted in a free, fair and credible manner, warning against any attempts to undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
The opposition further appealed to Kenyans to reject political violence and refuse to be recruited into criminal gangs or retaliatory attacks, urging citizens to resolve political differences through lawful institutions.
