President William Ruto has promised to crack down on political violence and goonism, calling for peace and unity during his development tour of Emurua Dikirr, Narok County. Speaking on Wednesday, the President said his administration would not tolerate chaos or hostility, urging residents to work together to promote development in the region.
“We want peace in this area. We want unity among the people here so that we can plan and pursue development together. We do not want hostility, conflict or chaos,” Ruto said.
The President assured residents that they should be able to move freely without fear of intimidation, stating that the government would take firm action against individuals involved in acts of violence.
“As for the issue of goons, we will deal with it. We are saying we want peace so that we can move forward together,” he said.
Development Projects in Emurua Dikirr
Ruto was in the area to inspect the Emurua Dikirr Modern Market and lay the foundation stone for the Boma Yangu Transmara East KMTC Students’ Village, highlighting his administration’s commitment to grassroots development. He called on residents to maintain peace and unity, saying this would create a conducive environment for development projects to thrive.
Rising Political Violence Raises Concerns
The President’s remarks come amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election, with increasing incidents of political violence and the use of hired goons raising fears that the trend could escalate as the country approaches the polls.
Recent incidents have included disruptions of political rallies, church services and other public gatherings, sparking concerns about political intolerance and the erosion of democratic space.
IEBC Warns Against Violence
In July, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) warned that political intolerance and the use of hired gangs posed a threat to peaceful elections. The commission reminded candidates and political parties that they are prohibited from engaging in or encouraging violence under Section 67 of the Elections Act and the Electoral Code of Conduct.
The IEBC has called on political leaders to uphold the law and ensure their supporters engage in peaceful political activities as the country prepares for the 2027 polls.
Calls for Political Accountability
Political observers and civil society groups have urged the government to take concrete steps to address the rising incidents of violence, including prosecuting perpetrators and holding political leaders accountable for inciting their supporters.
As the election cycle intensifies, the call for peaceful political engagement has become increasingly urgent, with leaders across the political divide urged to prioritize the nation’s stability over partisan interests.