Western Kenya leaders allied to President William Ruto have condemned rising political goonism, accusing some politicians of sponsoring violence at public meetings before shifting the blame to the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Led by Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, the leaders said political competition should be anchored on ideas, policies and development records rather than intimidation, chaos and violence.
Speaking during a Women’s Economic Empowerment Forum in Kolongolo, Kwanza Constituency, Trans Nzoia County, Lusaka warned that leaders who sponsor violence are undermining democracy and eroding public confidence in the political process.
“Leadership should be about ideas and service to the people, not chaos and intimidation. We must reject political violence and safeguard peaceful democratic engagement as we head towards the 2027 General Election,” said Lusaka.
He urged politicians across the political divide to allow wananchi to attend public meetings and listen to leaders without disruption or intimidation.
“We are in a democracy. Leaders must give wananchi space to engage freely without fear or violence,” he said.
Lusaka also rallied support for President Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid, urging Trans Nzoia residents to work closely with the national government to accelerate development in the county and the wider Western Kenya region.
Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of fuelling political instability instead of promoting peace, and cautioned local leaders against being misled by what he described as false political promises.
“I am telling our leaders from our community who are being hoodwinked by Uhuru that he will deliver the presidency to them to wake up from that dream,” said Savula.
Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau praised President Ruto’s development record in the region, citing investments in affordable housing, markets and roads as evidence of the government’s commitment to transforming livelihoods.
“The national government has invested in affordable housing, markets and roads in this area, and the impact is visible,” said Bisau.
Vihiga Woman Representative Dr Beatrice Adagala defended the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, saying women’s empowerment programmes were improving livelihoods at the grassroots. She accused the opposition of dismissing initiatives that directly benefit ordinary Kenyans.
Teso South MP Mary Emase urged Trans Nzoia residents to support President Ruto’s administration, saying closer cooperation with the national government would unlock more development opportunities for the region.
The leaders used the forum to call for peaceful politics ahead of the 2027 General Election, insisting that violence and intimidation have no place in Kenya’s democratic space.
