Kikuyu town in Kiambu County was on Saturday marked by tension and disruption during a political rally associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, where incidents of burning tyres, blocked roads, and reported street unrest were witnessed, raising concerns over growing political intolerance in parts of the Mt Kenya region.
Activist Hanifa Adan expressed concern following the Kikuyu unrest, saying the events point to deeper risks ahead if unaddressed in the country.
She said: “I don’t want to be the prophet of doom but we should be really worried about next year. They used goons to quell the protests, we see videos of MCAs mobilizing goons everyday and nothing happens, the international community is busy kekeing with Ruto until they start sending their long statements when something sinister happens!”
She warned that repeated incidents involving alleged mobilisation of groups during political gatherings, coupled with limited accountability, risk normalising violence ahead of the next electoral cycle, noting that footage circulating online has shown youth groups being organised in different locations without clear enforcement action from authorities.
She further argued that failure to address such patterns could heighten political tension and insecurity in the coming period.
She also criticised what she described as delayed responses from the international community, suggesting that concern is often expressed only after incidents escalate, arguing that preventive engagement is necessary rather than reactive statements after violence occurs.
She said this pattern undermines efforts to prevent recurring political clashes in the country, according to her remarks following the Kikuyu events on Saturday.
The Kikuyu incident has intensified debate over political mobilisation tactics and security preparedness in the Mt Kenya region, where rival factions continue to accuse each other of orchestrating disruptions during public events, raising concerns among residents and observers over public safety and democratic space.
Weeks of similar tensions have contributed to heightened anxiety ahead of future political gatherings. Authorities are under pressure to maintain order.