United Alternative Government Calls for Probe into Electoral Violence Ahead of 2027

By Faith wanza mueni 

Photo: Martha karua party leader people's Liberation party 

The United Alternative Government has called for independent investigations into recent incidents of political violence in different parts of the country, warning that the emerging pattern could undermine preparations for a peaceful and credible 2027 General Election.

In a joint statement issued in Nairobi on August 19, 2026, the coalition said reported attacks targeting politicians, journalists and citizens raised questions about the neutrality of security agencies and the country’s preparedness to safeguard constitutional freedoms during the electoral period.

The statement, signed by leaders including Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Chief Justice David Maraga, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, Jubilee Party’s Fred Matiang’i, Linda Mwananchi Movement leader James Orengo and other political leaders, cited several recent incidents as a cause for concern.

The coalition referred to reported attacks involving former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Rongai Constituency, Nakuru County, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i in Mulot, Bomet County, and violence surrounding Linda Mwananchi activities in Homa Bay and Keumbu in Kisii County.

“These incidents require independent investigation,” the leaders said, expressing concern over reports that some attacks allegedly occurred in the presence of, or within the operational reach of, police officers.

They called on the Government to explain how organised groups of civilians could repeatedly mobilise, move openly and allegedly attack political leaders, journalists, members of the public and police officers.

The coalition further urged Kenyans to reject political violence regardless of who perpetrates it or who stands to benefit, while calling on religious leaders, civil society organisations, the legal fraternity, professional bodies, the media, youth organisations and the international community to defend constitutional rights.

The leaders also called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to work with relevant institutions to ensure Kenyans are able to vote freely and peacefully.

The coalition asked the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to closely monitor developments in Kenya and conduct a preliminary assessment of whether credible information exists to warrant examination under the Rome Statute.

“Should evidence emerge demonstrating that widespread or systematic attacks against civilians are being organised, financed, directed or tolerated by those in positions of authority, we urge the Prosecutor to exercise the powers provided under Article 15 of the Rome Statute to initiate an investigation,” the statement said.

The leaders specifically mentioned President William Ruto, urging the ICC Prosecutor to examine whether any evidence meets the legal threshold for action and to review the status of previous charges against him.

They, however, stressed that the call should not be interpreted as prejudging the criminal responsibility of any individual, saying accountability was necessary to deter political violence and prevent the country from returning to circumstances that previously attracted the attention of the ICC.

The coalition also warned that political office should not provide immunity from international criminal accountability where the legal requirements under the Rome Statute are met.

“Our message is simple: No Kenyan should lose their life, their liberty or their livelihood because of politics. No journalist should fear death for carrying a camera,” the statement said.

The leaders further said police officers should not be forced to choose between the Constitution and political interests, while citizens should be allowed to campaign, assemble and vote without intimidation.

They said the 2027 General Election should be “a contest of ideas—not intimidation; ballots—not bullets; democracy—not violence.”

The coalition also announced plans to mobilise Kenyans to form a People’s Forum for Electoral Preparedness. According to the statement, the forum will be coordinated by former Chief Justice David Maraga, former Attorney General Justin Muturi and Azimio Secretary General Carol Omondi from October 9, 2026.

The leaders maintained that Kenyans could collectively safeguard the country’s democratic process despite what they described as threats posed by political militias.

“The future of Kenya will not be determined by militias or fear. It will be determined by the sovereign will of the people,” they said.

The statement was signed by Musyoka, Maraga, Karua, Orengo, Matiang’i, Muturi, Eugene Wamalwa, Carol Omondi and James Kilonzi, representing various political parties and movements within the United Alternative Government.

The coalition urged all stakeholders to work towards ensuring that the 2027 elections are conducted in an environment where political competition is based on ideas, respect for the law and the free exercise of citizens’ constitutional rights.