Freedom and Opportunity Party (FOP) leader Onyango Oloo has accused the government and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) of failing to curb political violence, warning that the trend could undermine Kenya’s 2027 general election.
Speaking after being installed as an Agikuyu elder in Kirinyaga County over the weekend, Oloo said what he described as growing “goonism” in parts of the country posed a threat to the credibility and peaceful conduct of the polls.
He cited incidents in Kisumu, Siaya and Homa Bay counties, alleging that the violence was being tolerated or supported by those in power.
He did not provide evidence to support the claims.”The government must be fully and squarely to blame for the ongoing rampant increases in goonism within Kisumu County and other regions,” Oloo said.
His remarks follow reports of violent incidents involving armed groups and political figures in western Kenya, including an attack in Kisumu in which one person was killed and several others were injured.
Oloo also referred to concerns about election-related violence, saying Kenya faces significant risks ahead of the 2027 vote.
He cited an assessment by the Kofi Annan Foundation that warns of the country’s vulnerability to electoral violence.
The FOP leader said he remained committed to peaceful political competition but warned that his supporters would defend themselves if attacked.
“If the government cannot take its rightful duty to stamp it out, people have a constitutional right to defend themselves,” he said.
He added that he would encourage his supporters to exercise what he described as their constitutional right to self-defence if they came under attack.
Oloo’s installation as an Agikuyu elder was presented by organisers as a step towards strengthening political ties between the Luo and Agikuyu communities.
Addressing those at the ceremony, he appealed for support from voters in the Mt Kenya region, pledging to promote national unity, end tribal politics and pursue inclusive economic growth if elected president.
ODM and the government had not responded publicly to Mr Oloo’s allegations at the time of publication.
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