Moses Kuria Issues ICC Warning as Political Violence Raises Fears Ahead of 2027 Kenya Election
Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has issued a stark warning over the escalating use of political goons as mobilisation tools ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election, branding the trend the “biggest risk” to the country’s security and democratic stability.
In remarks made on Friday, Kuria said he had already raised the issue with members of the diplomatic community amid growing concerns over politically linked violence during by-elections across the country. The former presidential adviser cautioned that those orchestrating such violence could ultimately find themselves facing international justice.
“The biggest risk to Kenya’s security and democracy is the use of goons as tools of political mobilisation in 2026 and 2027,” Kuria said. “I have talked to several friends from the diplomatic community. I can tell you without fear of contradiction that some people will end up at the ICC. This time round, no witnesses will disappear.”
Kuria’s comments come against the backdrop of a series of violent incidents reported in recent months, particularly during by-elections, fuelling fears over voter safety, the integrity of the electoral process and the country’s preparedness for the next general polls.
Tensions flared in November 2025 during by-elections in parts of western Kenya after a vehicle belonging to Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa was set on fire in Manyonje, Butali Ward. Witnesses said suspected political goons intercepted and torched the vehicle as voters queued at polling centres.
Although no injuries were reported, the incident caused panic among voters and drew widespread condemnation from political leaders, who warned that such acts risk suppressing democratic participation. Police later deployed additional security personnel to the area, intensifying patrols and screening at polling stations as investigations were launched.
Similar scenes were reported in Homa Bay County during the Kasipul by-election, where violence erupted in several areas and left multiple people injured. Among them was Homa Bay Town MP and ODM chief agent Peter Kaluma, who sustained serious head injuries after being attacked by a group of youths while monitoring the vote.
During the chaos, a firearm belonging to Kaluma’s bodyguard was reported missing. Authorities later confirmed the arrest of 17 youths found patrolling parts of Kasipul Constituency armed with crude weapons, including machetes.
Rachuonyo South Sub-County Police Commander Philemon Saera said the arrests followed intelligence reports of groups moving around in vehicles allegedly intimidating residents during the polls. Investigators also pursued another group suspected of possessing a pistol believed to have been snatched from Kaluma during the melee.
Despite the unrest, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) said voting proceeded in most polling stations, with results announced under heavy security.
The Kasipul contest, triggered by the fatal shooting of former MP Ongondo Were, had already been marked by violence during the campaign period, including reported deaths, heightening anxiety among local residents.
Beyond Homa Bay, pockets of violence were reported in at least 22 voting areas nationwide. In Malava Constituency, Kakamega County, Eugene Wamalwa accused a rival candidate of orchestrating attacks against his party’s aspirant. In Kilifi and Narok counties, police were forced to intervene to quell tensions at polling centres.
The pattern has alarmed several leaders across the political divide. In September, Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu warned that the resurgence of political violence was “calculated and politically sponsored,” cautioning that failure to act decisively could push the country into crisis ahead of 2027.
“Unfortunately, the people fueling this resurgence of gangs are leaders. We cannot allow this to continue,” Buyu said during a Jukwaa la Usalama forum attended by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
More recently, Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua wrote to Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja, accusing elements within the National Police Service of enabling political violence and shielding gangs linked to politicians.
His protest followed clashes in Kariobangi North, Nairobi, where police fired teargas to disperse rival groups during a church service, with gas reportedly affecting congregants inside the building.
Gachagua has repeatedly alleged collusion between police officers, some in plain clothes, and politically sponsored gangs, urging the Inspector-General to publicly disown any such links and ensure accountability as the country edges closer to the 2027 General Election.
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Moses Kuria Issues ICC Warning as Political Violence Raises Fears Ahead of 2027 Kenya Election