Concerns over political intolerance and the resurgence of hired goons have emerged as key threats to peaceful democratic participation in Nyanza as Kenya edges closer to the 2027 General Election.

The concerns were raised during an election preparedness forum convened by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) in Kisumu, bringing together Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs), election stakeholders and peace actors to discuss strategies for safeguarding peaceful political engagement.

The leaders warned that recent incidents of politically instigated violence and disruption of public gatherings, if not addressed, could undermine democratic gains and destabilize communities ahead of the polls.

Speaking during the forum, ORPP Nyanza Regional Coordinator Ezekiel Obonyo urged civil society groups to take a leading role in promoting democratic values, fostering peace, and exposing those behind politically motivated violence.

Political intolerance

Obonyo said investigations were already underway to determine whether recent cases of goonism were politically sponsored, stressing that those responsible, including financiers must be held accountable.

“There must never be political intolerance at all costs. If these incidents are politically instigated, then investigations must establish who hired the goons and who is behind the violence,” he said.

He further urged organizations to leverage their platforms to advocate for peaceful coexistence and civic responsibility, revealing that stakeholders would sign peace charters committing themselves to specific actions aimed at curbing political violence.

Kisumu County Accountability Alliance Coordinator Kennedy Anjejo described the emerging culture of political hostility as a reflection of deteriorating political conduct rather than a lack of laws.

Demand for peaceful politics

According to Anjejo, Kenya already possesses sufficient legal and constitutional frameworks to regulate political conduct, but adherence and enforcement remain the biggest challenge.

“Some of the incidents we are witnessing are simply bad manners in politics. We may not necessarily need new legislation; what we need is respect for existing laws and a commitment to decent political engagement,” he said.

Anjejo emphasized that peaceful politics is critical for economic growth, business stability and social cohesion, urging leaders and supporters alike to reject violence and embrace issue-based campaigns.

Faith-based organizations also pledged to intensify peace messaging through religious platforms.

Caroline Okutoi a representative of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) for Western and Nyanza regions said clergy across the country were incorporating peace messages into their sermons while partnering with electoral stakeholders to promote civic participation.