Kenya’s leading legal organisations have expressed deep concern over the increase in political violence, hate speech, and intimidation as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.

In a joint statement released during the Law Society of Kenya’s Annual Conference 2026, four prominent legal bodies—the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), East Africa Law Society (EALS), Federation of Women Lawyers-Kenya (FIDA Kenya), and the Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya)—warned that unchecked political "goonism" threatens the nation’s constitutional democracy.

Key Incidents Highlight Rising Tensions

  • Disruption of a civic forum at All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi, on June 12.
  • An attempted attack on St Stephen’s Cathedral in Kisumu on July 12.
  • Fatal violence in Keumbu on July 3 resulting in one death.
  • Reports of voter intimidation and violence during the Ol Kalou by-election on July 16.
  • Threats of violence ahead of political rallies in Homa Bay.

The organisations urged all constitutionally mandated state agencies to act decisively to protect citizens and ensure free and fair elections. They highlighted a disturbing pattern where perpetrators of political violence and hate speech often evade accountability, with cases sometimes selectively prosecuted or stalled.

Calls for Stronger Enforcement and Accountability

The legal groups challenged the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, National Police Service, and National Intelligence Service to broaden investigations beyond direct perpetrators to include those who organise, finance, or benefit from political violence and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), regardless of their political affiliations.

They also called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to ensure policing is lawful, proportionate, intelligence-led, and focused on safeguarding citizens’ rights.

Protecting Rights and Promoting Cohesion

The lawyers reminded the National Cohesion and Integration Commission of its mandate to combat hate speech and ethnic incitement, especially by political leaders, urging proactive measures to prevent further damage to national unity.

The legal profession committed to monitoring the electoral process, documenting violations, providing legal aid to victims, and pursuing justice through available legal channels.

They emphasized that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and political participation, these rights must not be undermined through violence, intimidation, or hate speech.

"The situation is dire and demands urgent, concerted, and decisive action from all duty bearers," the statement concluded, pledging support for a peaceful, free, just, and fair 2027 election.