Opposition leaders under the United Alternative Government of Kenya and the Linda Mwananchi movement have intensified their denunciation of what they describe as a troubling escalation of political violence, calling for international scrutiny as the country edges closer to the 2027 General Election.
In a strongly worded joint statement read by People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua in Nairobi on Wednesday, the leaders warned that a succession of alleged attacks targeting political figures, journalists and ordinary citizens could no longer be dismissed as isolated confrontations between rival political supporters.
They cited reported incidents involving former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Rongai Constituency, Nakuru County, former Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i in Mulot, Bomet County, as well as violence and disruptions surrounding Linda Mwananchi activities in Homa Bay and Keumbu in Kisii County.
The opposition leaders expressed particular concern over allegations of organised groups being mobilised to disrupt political activities, questioning how armed formations could repeatedly assemble, move openly and allegedly attack political leaders, journalists, civilians and even police officers with apparent impunity.
They argued that the developments raise profound questions about the neutrality of security institutions and Kenya’s institutional preparedness to guarantee a peaceful, free, fair and credible electoral process in 2027.
At the centre of their demands is an appeal to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to closely monitor the situation in Kenya and undertake a preliminary assessment of whether credible information exists to warrant further examination under the Rome Statute.
The leaders further urged the ICC Prosecutor to consider action under Article 15 of the Rome Statute should evidence emerge of widespread or systematic attacks against civilians being organised, financed, directed or tolerated by individuals occupying positions of authority.
The statement specifically referenced President William Ruto, urging the Prosecutor to examine questions of responsibility and review the status of previous charges and proceedings associated with him.
The leaders, however, stressed that their appeal for ICC intervention was not intended to prejudge the criminal responsibility of any individual. They maintained that credible investigations, due process and accountability remain essential deterrents against political violence and impunity.
They also called upon the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, security agencies and other constitutional institutions to discharge their mandates independently and ensure an electoral environment in which every Kenyan can campaign, assemble, express political views and vote freely without intimidation or coercion.
The opposition leaders urged religious organisations, civil society, the legal fraternity, professional bodies, media organisations, youth groups and the international diplomatic community to unite in defence of the Constitution, democratic governance and the rule of law.
They further announced the formation of the People’s Forum for Electoral Preparedness, a citizen led initiative intended to safeguard democratic processes and strengthen public vigilance ahead of the 2027 elections.
The forum is expected to be coordinated by former Chief Justice Emeritus David Maraga, former Attorney General Emeritus Justin Muturi and Azimio Secretary General Caroli Omondi, with activities scheduled to commence on 9 October 2026.
Among the party leaders present were Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka, United Green Movement leader David Maraga, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua SC, Linda Mwananchi Movement leader James Orengo, Jubilee Party figure Dr Fred Matiang’i, Azimio Secretary General Caroli Omondi, Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, Umoja Na Maendeleo Party leader James Kilonzi and DAP Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa.
The leaders maintained that Kenya’s democratic future cannot be entrusted to impunity, intimidation or political expediency. They called upon all political actors to uphold constitutionalism, institutional integrity and the sanctity of the ballot, warning that the legitimacy of the 2027 General Election will be measured not merely by the declaration of results, but by the credibility, inclusivity and tranquillity of the process that produces them.
They further urged political actors to subordinate partisan interests to the national imperative of preserving peace, civil liberties and democratic pluralism, maintaining that Kenya must enter the 2027 electoral contest with institutions strong enough to protect dissent, citizens confident enough to participate and leaders restrained enough to respect the rule of law.
“The 2027 General Election must be a contest of ideas, not intimidation; ballots, not bullets; democracy, not violence,” they said.
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