Political temperatures in the country continue to rise as leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza Government accuse the opposition of fueling “goonism” and threatening national stability.
Speaking during a joint church fundraiser in Sirwa, Nandi Hills Constituency, Nandi County, the leaders claimed that the opposition has shifted from constructive political criticism to allegedly sponsoring gangs to disrupt meetings and instill fear among citizens.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen issued a strong warning, stressing that the government will not tolerate any form of lawlessness.
“I want to assure Kenyans that we will not sit back and watch as some politicians finance goons to disrupt peace in our country. This behavior must come to an end,” Murkomen said.
He revealed that he has already issued firm instructions to the Inspector General of Police to take decisive action against anyone found inciting violence or engaging in criminal gang activities.
“To this point the IG of Police has my full support to deal firmly with any individual involved in violence or political incitement. The government is fully committed to eradicating this kind of organized political disorder,” he added.
Murkomen further accused sections of the opposition of orchestrating chaos and then blaming the government for security lapses.
“We cannot allow a situation where politicians plan disruptions and then turn around to accuse the government of incompetence. That is a dangerous game,” he warned.
On his part, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot strongly criticized what he termed as growing disrespect toward the presidency by opposition leaders.
“What we are witnessing is dangerous for the country. Disrespecting the presidency is not an attack on an individual, but an insult to the entire nation,” Cheruiyot stated.
He emphasized the need for issue-based politics rather than intimidation and chaos.
“We must return to politics of ideas, not politics of threats and violence. The opposition has a responsibility to critique the government in a civilized manner, not through the use of goons,” he added.
Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago also launched a sharp attack on the opposition, accusing some of its leaders of promoting divisive tribal politics instead of focusing on national development.
“Instead of addressing the real issues affecting Kenyans, some leaders are busy pushing tribal politics and incitement. That has no place in modern Kenya,” Mandago said.
He warned that such politics could divide the country and undermine national unity.
“We must unite Kenyans, not divide them. Those using young people as tools for violence must be held accountable,” he added.
The leaders’ remarks come at a time of heightened political tension across the country, with repeated reports of disrupted political gatherings. The government has taken a firm stance, insisting that the rule of law will prevail regardless of political affiliation.
However, the claims have also sparked broader debate, with some observers calling for concrete evidence to support the accusations in order to avoid baseless political blame games.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes are now on security agencies to see how they will implement these directives, with many Kenyans hoping for decisive action to restore calm and ensure politics is conducted in a peaceful and respectful environment.
