Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo has expressed concerns that continued goonism and disruption of public events could lead to a violent 2027 General Election in Kenya. Speaking in Parliament, Odhiambo stated that incidents of violence at political gatherings, funerals, churches, and other public events were becoming a national concern. She warned that if the trend is not addressed, it could escalate into wider political violence as the country approaches the next election.
Odhiambo cited the killing of a young man in Homa Bay during violence that accompanied the Linda Mwananchi movement. She mentioned that the victim would be buried on Friday and that his family was struggling to raise money for the burial. The victim left behind a wife and a poor family that does not even have a house. Odhiambo questioned why young people should continue losing their lives in political violence while those responsible escape punishment.
The MP also referred to the disruption of a funeral in her constituency, stating that similar incidents were being witnessed in different parts of the country. She noted that political disruptions were no longer limited to rallies and were increasingly being witnessed at funerals and churches. Odhiambo expressed concern that some individuals were disrupting events without a serious agenda or popular support, seeking to create disruption to give an impression of political strength.
Odhiambo's remarks come amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election, with political leaders increasingly holding public rallies and mobilising supporters across the country. Her warning followed calls in Parliament for action against disruptions at public functions and growing concerns over political violence as the country approaches the next election.
The MP criticised individuals who attend public events without a serious agenda or popular support and instead seek to create disruption. She emphasised that the trend needed to be stopped before it developed into a wider crisis during the elections. Odhiambo urged Parliament to take action to address the issue of goonism and disruption of public events.
According to Odhiambo, unless the phenomenon of goonism and disruption of public events is addressed, Kenya will face a crisis during the elections. She stressed that it was essential to take immediate action to prevent the escalation of violence. The MP's concerns were echoed by other leaders who have called for action against disruptions at public functions.
The issue of goonism and disruption of public events has become a significant concern in Kenya as the country approaches the 2027 General Election. With 313 days, 3 hours, and 53 minutes to the election, leaders are urging calm and restraint. Key stakeholders must work together to address the issue and prevent the escalation of violence.
Key points
- Goonism and disruption of public events could fuel a violent 2027 election in Kenya.
- The trend of goonism and disruption of public events needs to be stopped before it develops into a wider crisis during the elections.
- The issue of goonism and disruption of public events has become a significant concern in Kenya as the country approaches the 2027 General Election.
