Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Fred Matiang’i has warned that Kenya risks descending into chaos if the government fails to act decisively against rising political violence and criminal activity ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The former Interior Cabinet Secretary’s remarks come in the wake of Friday’s attack on leaders allied to the Linda Mwananchi movement, whose convoy was ambushed by suspected goons in Kisii County.
Among those caught in the violence was former Chief Justice and United Green Movement Party presidential aspirant David Maraga, whose vehicle was among several targeted during the attack.
The convoy, which was travelling from Kisii to Keroka for a political rally, came under attack at Keumbu Market along the Kisii-Keroka Road, where armed youths reportedly hurled stones and wielded clubs while targeting vehicles carrying political leaders.
One person died during the incident, while police have since arrested seven suspects in connection with the violence. Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda has also been summoned to appear before detectives at the Kisii County Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) offices as investigations continue.
Matiang’i warned that the increasing use of armed youths in political activities could plunge the country into lawlessness if left unchecked.
“The recent cases of armed youths attacking citizens at political rallies, restaurants and in the streets are pushing the country into lawlessness,” he said.
He urged the government to restore order before political competition intensifies ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that even politicians accused of sponsoring violence could eventually become victims.
“It will be impossible to tame the vice once it becomes ungovernable, and everyone will suffer the consequences,” Matiang’i cautioned.
The warning comes amid growing concern over insecurity in other parts of the country. In Nairobi, armed robbers attacked customers at a restaurant in Westlands on Saturday night, making away with valuables. The incident occurred barely a month after another robbery targeting a restaurant in the same area.
Matiang’i’s remarks add to growing calls for authorities to strengthen security measures as political activities begin to intensify ahead of the next General Election.
