Njeri Maina urges foreign envoys to pressure Ruto over alleged political violence

Maina made the remarks in Ishiara, Mbeere North, during a tour by the Democratic Congress Party (DCP) led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

She called on foreign embassies and consulates, including those of the United States, United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, France and China, to intervene before political tensions escalate further.

“I want to speak to the embassies that are in Kenya, the consulates... You have seen that the president has decided that he will instigate violence so that Kenya is volatile,” Maina said.

The lawmaker accused the government of using or tolerating organised groups to disrupt opposition rallies and prevent political leaders from campaigning in areas perceived to support the opposition.

She argued that Kenya’s international development partners have a responsibility to use their diplomatic influence to encourage the government to uphold constitutional rights and prevent political violence.

“If you do not rein on him right now, if you do not speak to him... we shall not allow Kenya to be violent,” she said, warning that widespread instability would threaten both Kenya’s economy and regional security.

Maina cited recent disruptions reported during political activities in Homa Bay, the Mount Kenya region, Ukambani and the Coast as evidence of what she described as a worsening political environment.

She said political leaders have a constitutional right to campaign and promote their policies anywhere in the country without intimidation or violence.

“Every leader has a right under the Constitution of Kenya to go anywhere and sell their ideas,” Maina said. “If there is instability in 2027, there will be no interests to protect here. There will be no security in the East African Community.”

Her remarks come amid heightened political tensions following violent incidents reported during opposition gatherings, particularly in Homa Bay.

The clashes have triggered a war of words among political leaders, with Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma accusing Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino of contributing to the unrest.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has rejected allegations of responsibility for the violence, instead accusing external political actors of provoking disorder in the county.

Sifuna and Babu Owino have, in turn, accused the county administration and state-linked actors of using goons and tear gas to disrupt opposition activities.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has denied allegations of state involvement in political violence, insisting that security agencies are taking action against hooliganism irrespective of political affiliation.

Murkomen has also dismissed claims that the country is facing a crisis over the activities of political gangs, maintaining that those making such allegations are misrepresenting the security situation.

The controversy has nevertheless intensified calls from opposition leaders for Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to take responsibility for security failures at political gatherings. Critics have questioned why police officers deployed to venues where violence occurs often fail to make immediate arrests.

Foreign diplomatic missions in Nairobi have previously called on Kenya’s political actors, security agencies and other institutions to uphold the rule of law, protect civil liberties and maintain a peaceful environment for democratic participation.