During the by-elections goons were used to terrorize and instill fear, across different areas. Some videos even showing police turning a blind eye when goons attacked and harassed people in broad daylight. And the reason for the police ignoring this is, could be because they can’t stand up to their bosses.
The Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen made his remarks on Monday, 1, December, concerning the Nairobi political unrest. Where two rival gangs clashed on Sunday 30th November, in Kariobangi during Rigathi Gachagua’s visit. He stated that politicians deploying goons in order to paint his ministry bad light shall be dealt with.
However he refrained from making any comments on earlier incidences in Mbeere North, Malava and Kasipul by-elections. Especially on the Malava saga where it was alleged that the MP elect, David Ndakwa, a UDA candidate torched his rival candidate’s campaign vehicles.
It is only unfair for him to call out the opposition while leaving out the UDA party members orchestrating these events. Him failing to address prior incidences raises questions on whether the government could truly be funding bandits in order to instill fear on the opposition and win elections.
The use of violence to win elections is in fact unlawful against the constitution under article 81(e) which states that citizens have a right to participate in democratic processes free from violence or intimidation.
This gang situation may in fact be a foreshadow of what could transpire in the 2027 elections. This also reflects back on the 1990 unrest where gang members also torched homes and wrecked havoc, even causing people to be displaced.
The youth should not be allowed to be used for political evils like killings and destroying property or even causing fear for monetary gain but instead should be patriotic. How can they afford to destroy what is theirs ? Afterwards what will remain?
Think about the 2007 post-election violence, people were massacred, in the name of politics, and for what gain? None. Kenya had to be rebuilt again, and those scars still exist up until now.
