Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has cautioned that the growing use of hired gangs in political activities could severely undermine Kenya’s stability as the country moves toward the 2027 General Election.
In remarks shared on X, Kuria framed the issue as a governance and rule-of-law challenge rather than a purely political contest.
He warned that deploying goons to intimidate opponents or influence voters risks eroding democratic institutions and could expose those responsible to international prosecution.
According to Kuria, concerns about political violence in Kenya are not confined to local actors.
He said his recent engagements with members of the diplomatic community indicate that international partners are closely monitoring developments ahead of the next election cycle.
This, he suggested, increases the likelihood of external accountability if violence is organised or condoned by political leaders.
Kuria invoked the International Criminal Court (ICC), arguing that individuals who sponsor or benefit from political violence may not escape scrutiny.
He added that future cases would differ from past experiences, claiming that evidence and witnesses would be better protected, making it harder to frustrate justice processes.
Kenya’s electoral history has been periodically marred by violence, with the 2007–2008 post-election crisis remaining a reference point in debates on political accountability.
While subsequent elections have been relatively calmer, sporadic incidents of intimidation and organised violence have continued to raise concern among civil society and security agencies.
The former CS urged political actors to prioritise peaceful mobilisation and issue-based campaigns, warning that short-term political gains achieved through violence could carry long-term legal and reputational consequences.
His comments add to growing calls for restraint, accountability, and early action by authorities to prevent a repeat of past election-related instability as the 2027 polls draw closer.