KNCHR calls for crackdown on political gangs, incitement ahead of 2027

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and the National Police Service (NPS) to take action against political violence, incitement and the alleged use of organised gangs ahead of the 2027 General Election.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, August 18, the Commission called on the DCI to independently investigate reported cases of violence, destruction of property and incitement and ensure that those found culpable are held accountable.

The KNCHR also urged the NCIC to expedite investigations into allegations of hate speech, incitement and conduct likely to undermine national cohesion.

It called on the Inspector General of the Police to take a firm, impartial and lawful stance against political violence, while ensuring equal protection for people exercising their constitutional rights, including journalists and media workers.

The commission further called on political leaders, parties and their supporters to reject violence, inflammatory rhetoric, intimidation and the use of organised groups to disrupt political activities.

"The commission calls upon members of the public, particularly young people, to reject recruitment, payment, mobilization or incitement to violence, intimidation, destruction of property and other human rights violations, and to exercise their political and civic rights peacefully while respecting the rights of others," the statement read in part. 

Further, the State body highlighted several incidents between June and August 2026, including attacks and disruptions during political rallies, public participation forums, church services and political convoys.

Among the incidents highlighted was the violent disruption of a public participation forum on the 2026/27 national budget at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi on June 12, where armed men allegedly stormed the premises, assaulted participants and damaged property.

The commission also cited a fatal attack during a political rally in Keumbu, Kisii County, on July 3, an attack on a political convoy near Gilgil on July 11 and disruptions of political activities in Kisumu and Nyahururu the following day.

It further cited the July 23 attack on journalists from Mt Elgon TV while covering a political aspirant in Kimilili, Bungoma County, and violence recorded during the Ol Kalou by-election period.

The commission further cited violence during a politically related convoy in Nakuru Town West on August 14 and reported deaths of a police officer and a civilian during political-related violence in Homa Bay on August 16.

It said similar reports of attacks on political convoys had emerged in Mulot, Bomet County, as well as disturbances in Salgaa.

"KNCHR is gravely concerned about the increasing number of reported fatalities and the wider reports of incitement, intimidation, destruction of property, obstruction of movement, attacks against journalists and the alleged mobilization of organized groups in connection with political activities in the Country," the statement added.

KNCHR also flagged political rhetoric used by politicians that's likely to incite violence such as referring to rival groups as 'animals', 'diseases' or 'infestations', cautioning political leaders to refrain from such dialogue. 

“While some of the terms may have been used metaphorically, in Kenya’s current context, it is important to recognise that political leaders hold significant influence over their supporters,” the commission stated.

The commission said it would continue monitoring the political environment and engaging other stakeholders to urgently respond to human rights violations.