A man was killed and several others injured on Sunday after violence erupted during political events in Kisumu and Nyahururu, renewing concerns over the growing use of organized goons to disrupt political gatherings.
In Kisumu, chaos broke out outside St. Stephen’s ACK Church during a church service attended by Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
A man was fatally stabbed during clashes between rival groups outside the church. Another person sustained serious head injuries, while nine motorcycles were set ablaze in the unrest.
In a separate incident in Nyahururu, a political rally linked to leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement was also disrupted by violence.
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata claimed his driver was shot after suspected goons attacked their convoy. However, the National Police Service later said it had not established evidence of gunfire and that investigations were ongoing. Several suspects were arrested in connection with the disturbance.
The incidents have drawn fresh scrutiny over political violence and the use of youth groups to intimidate opponents during public events.
Recent warnings by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and human rights organizations have highlighted concerns that candidates who sponsor or facilitate violence could face legal consequences, including possible disqualification from future elections.
Amnesty International Kenya on Sunday called for investigations into allegations of campaign violence and intimidation, urging the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to take action against individuals found to have organized or financed violent activities.
Sunday’s clashes left one person dead, another seriously injured and property worth thousands of shillings destroyed, adding to growing fears over the rising trend of political goonism as the country moves closer to the 2027 general election.
