Religious leaders in Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties are speaking out against the growing trend of political violence in the region. Young, unemployed youths hired by local politicians have been disrupting rallies and events, causing chaos and destruction. The clerics are worried that as campaigns intensify, the violence could escalate, threatening the peace and stability of the region.
In Meru County, events attended by candidates for governor, senator, and MP positions have been invaded by goons armed with crude weapons. The business community has suffered losses, and injuries have been reported. Even the police have not been spared, with officers sustaining injuries and police vehicles being damaged. Bishop Jack Kithinji, General Secretary of the Meru County Clergy Forum, has condemned the violence and threatened to call out politicians involved.
Bishop Kithinji emphasized that politics should not be a matter of life and death and that politicians who sponsor goons or disrupt opponents' rallies should be marked and not elected to any post. Reverend Patrick Kirimi of the Presbyterian Church in Eastern Africa (PCEA) and Bishop Kiambi Atheru of the King's Ambassador Network in Meru echoed Bishop Kithinji's sentiments, calling for politicians to promote peace, tolerance, and respect for divergent views.
Reverend Kirimi urged politicians to focus on their development agendas and sell their visions rather than attacking opponents. He also emphasized that leaders must take responsibility for their supporters, while security agencies deal firmly and impartially with perpetrators. Bishop Atheru expressed fears that the violence could worsen if not contained quickly, calling on the government to put measures in place to control politicians.
Several leading candidates have had their events disrupted by goons, including Governor Isaac Mutuma, former Governor Peter Munya, former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, and Governor Kawira Mwangaza. These politicians are expected to contest the governor's seat in the 2027 elections. In October, supporters of Governor Mutuma and Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiri clashed during a groundbreaking ceremony.
The clashes between supporters of different politicians have resulted in damaged property and injuries. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has warned that the government will firmly deal with perpetrators of violence, regardless of their political affiliation. He emphasized that the government will not tolerate political violence and issued a stern warning to leaders who deploy goons to attack their rivals.
The situation in Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties highlights the need for politicians to promote peace and respect for the law. The clergy's condemnation of political violence and the government's warning to perpetrators are steps towards addressing the issue. However, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will be enough to prevent further violence and ensure a peaceful election in 2027.
Key points
- Religious leaders in Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties condemn political violence and call for peace.
- Politicians who sponsor goons or disrupt opponents' rallies should be held accountable.
- The government has warned that it will firmly deal with perpetrators of violence, regardless of their political affiliation.
