National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has called on politicians and young people to reject political violence and intimidation, warning that the growing culture of political goonism could undermine peaceful participation in Kenya’s 2027 General Election.
Wetangula spoke in Ikolomani, Kakamega County, during a condolence visit to the family of Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale following the death of his wife, Mama Gloria Sekeiyan Khalwale.
The Speaker said political competition should not destroy relationships among Kenyans or turn political differences into conflict.
“Politics must never divide us,” Wetang’ula said, urging politicians and young people to remain peaceful as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
Why political goonism is becoming a concern
Wetangula’s warning comes at a time when political activity is intensifying ahead of the 2027 polls, raising concerns about the use of organised groups to disrupt political meetings, intimidate opponents and create confrontations between rival supporters.
The Speaker argued that politicians should compete through ideas, policies and their development records, rather than relying on violence or intimidation.
He also appealed to young people, who often form a significant part of political mobilisation, to resist being drawn into political clashes.
The warning places renewed attention on the role of political leaders in ensuring that campaigns remain peaceful and that citizens can freely attend rallies, support candidates and express their political views.
Leaders call for calm in Ikolomani
Wetangula’s appeal was echoed by other leaders attending events surrounding the burial of Mama Gloria.
Ikolomani MP Innocent Mugabe asked residents to maintain peace and give visiting political leaders a peaceful audience regardless of their political affiliations.
“As Ikolomani people, we are peace-loving Kenyans, and I ask that we demonstrate the same tomorrow during the final send-off,” Mugabe said.
Kakamega County MP Elsie Muhanda also appealed for tolerance, describing the late Mama Gloria as a person known for being accommodative and hospitable.
Muhanda said the spirit associated with Mama Gloria should guide the community during her final send-off, despite the political differences among leaders attending the ceremony.
Cherargei warns against turning political differences into personal fights
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei separately called for greater political tolerance as Kenya moves closer to the 2027 election.
Cherargei cautioned politicians and their supporters against treating differences in political opinion as personal conflicts.
He described Khalwale as one of the Senate’s strong debaters and urged political actors to maintain peace throughout the election period.
The message from the leaders reflects growing concern that political competition could become increasingly confrontational as parties and politicians position themselves ahead of the 2027 contest.
What is at stake ahead of 2027
Political violence has previously had serious consequences in Kenya, making calls for peaceful campaigns particularly significant as the country enters another election cycle.
For voters, the issue goes beyond whether political rallies remain orderly. A peaceful political environment affects whether citizens can campaign, associate with political parties, attend public meetings and cast their votes without intimidation.
Wetang’ula urged political leaders to remember that political competition is temporary while relationships among Kenyans extend beyond election cycles.
He also conveyed President William Ruto’s condolences to the Khalwale family.
With political activity expected to increase as the 2027 election approaches, the calls from Wetang’ula, Mugabe, Muhanda and Cherargei put the responsibility for maintaining peaceful politics on both leaders and their supporters.
The central message was clear: political differences should not become a reason for Kenyans to turn against one another.
