Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera has condemned the chaos witnessed in Homa Bay County on Sunday during the Linda Mwananchi political tour, calling for those behind the violence to be identified, arrested and prosecuted.
Nabwera said the incidents were unacceptable in a democratic society and warned that political violence could undermine Kenya’s preparations for the next election by limiting the ability of politicians to engage voters freely.
“Acts were primitive and must be condemned by all. The planners and perpetrators must be brought to book,” Nabwera said in a statement on Monday morning.
The legislator urged political actors and their supporters to embrace peaceful competition, arguing that elections should provide an opportunity for Kenyans to compare ideas, programmes and manifestos rather than witness confrontations between rival groups.
Nabwera, who said he supports a broad-based government, maintained that political leaders should be allowed to present their positions to voters while those holding alternative views should also be given space to campaign within the law.
He warned that violence and political intolerance could deny Kenyans an opportunity to make informed choices during the electoral process.
“Violence denies all of us a constitutional moment and an opportunity to make rational judgement. Our democracy is under threat,” he said.
The Lugari MP also challenged the country’s security agencies to investigate the Homa Bay incidents and establish who was responsible for the violence.
He called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to examine available video footage and take action against individuals captured allegedly barricading roads or carrying crude weapons.
Nabwera said security agencies must demonstrate that they can protect all Kenyans regardless of their political affiliations, stressing that political differences should not determine who receives protection from the state.
His comments come after the Linda Mwananchi convoy encountered disruptions and confrontations as it entered Homa Bay during its political tour. Several leaders and supporters who participated in the convoy shared accounts of attacks and disruptions, while police officers were also injured as they attempted to restore order.
Nabwera invoked memories of the 2007/08 post-election violence, warning that Kenya should not allow organised political violence to return.
“Those of us who witnessed the 2007/2008 chaos cannot entertain this culture of violence,” he said.
He further described political goons as criminals rather than legitimate participants in political competition and expressed concern over officers injured while restoring order.
“Political intolerance is the sure way to destroy a nation. We cannot destroy our motherland,” Nabwera said, urging Kenyans to reject violence and allow political competition to take place peacefully.