Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has welcomed Pope Leo XIV on his first apostolic visit to Africa, even as Kenya grapples with rising political tensions, claims of politically linked violence, and heightened anxiety ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement on Thursday, April 16, 2026, Kalonzo described the continent as a place of deep faith and resilience, stating that Africa, a continent of ancient faith, extraordinary resilience, and boundless hope, receives you with profound joy and deep spiritual solidarity.

“On behalf of the Wiper Patriotic Front, and on my own behalf, I extend to you a most cordial and reverent welcome to the African continent on your maiden apostolic journey as the 267th Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church,” he wrote on X.

“I humbly beseech Your Holiness to intercede in prayer on our behalf, that Kenya may be blessed with lasting peace, social harmony, and leaders who govern not for themselves, but for the common good of all our people.”

Although Kenya is not part of the Pope’s current itinerary, Kalonzo expressed optimism about a future visit.

“Kenya holds a place of enduring warmth for the Holy See, and we trust in the providence of God that the day shall come when we are once again privileged to receive you as our most honoured guest,” the post read in part.

He further praised the pontiff’s global leadership, saying Kenyan and African communities draw deep inspiration from Your Holiness’s steadfast championship of peace, the transcendent dignity of every human person, and the family as the first and most vital school of virtue and civic life.

The remarks come at a time of growing political unease in Kenya, with opposition leaders warning of increasing cases of violent attacks involving political goons ahead of the 2027 general election cycle.

Speaking after the Kikuyu chaos, where opposition figures claimed they were attacked, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa said the country was headed in the wrong direction and warned that Kenya risked instability if the trend continued.

He claimed what he called an unholy alliance between police officers and criminal groups.

“If you continue planting the wind of goonism and violence, you shall reap the whirlwind of anarchy,” he stated.

Goonism insecurity threats

On his part, Jubilee Deputy Party leader Fred Matiang’i also weighed in, urging a shift in security priorities. He argued that political gatherings should not be treated as threats.

“Your threat cannot be leaders speaking to their people,” he said and instead called for greater focus on terrorism and drug abuse.

Meanwhile, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused Kikuyu Member of Parliament Kimani Ichung’wah of orchestrating the disruption of his rally in Kikuyu using teargas, in what he termed a betrayal of the electorate.

Speaking during the rally in Kikuyu town on Saturday, April 11, 2026, Gachagua claimed that the MP, who has been elected by the area residents for three consecutive terms, had turned against the very people who entrusted him with leadership.

Gachagua claimed that Ichung’wah is working in collaboration with President William Ruto to frustrate his political activities in the region, accusations that Ichung’wah vehemently brushed off.

“Umeshikana na William Ruto kuangaisha jamii ya Kikiyu. Ni makosa kubwa sana wewe Ichungwah, hawa watu walikuchagua mara tatu kutuma polisi na teargas kuja kuwaangaisha watu walikuchagua,” Gachagua said.

Moreover, Gachagua has also warned that what he called ‘goonism’ could destabilise Kenya, saying organised violence linked to political actors is already emerging in parts of the country.

Speaking during a church service at PEFA Works in Kajiado County on Sunday, April 12, 2026, Gachagua drew comparisons between militia groups in Sudan, Haiti, and local incidents in Kenya, saying the pattern shows how violence grows when it is tolerated or supported.

“Hii maneno ya goonism, it will consume you,” he said. “Hii RSF started as a criminal gang, ya El Bashir. Then it developed into a state militia backed by the state. Today, it is a problem for the people of Sudan.”

He suggested that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group involved in Sudan’s ongoing conflict, began as a criminal outfit and later gained state backing before becoming uncontrollable.

“And probably that is why you are happy to work with them,” he added.

Gachagua also made claims about the issuance of Kenyan travel documents, linking them to security concerns.

“Na huyu … wako, ndiye anapeana passports to criminals threatening world order and peace. Criminals of RSF have been given passports here,” he said.

The Interior Ministry has previously denied claims that Kenyan passports are issued to non-citizens linked to the RSF, insisting that strict verification processes are followed before any document is issued.