Civil society organisations in Kisumu have raised concerns over what they describe as an increasing cycle of violence during the country’s electoral periods.
The organisations, led by Betty Okero, said violence had been witnessed during successive elections but warned that its intensity appeared to be increasing.
Speaking in Kisumu during celebrations to mark the 16th anniversary of the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, Ms Okero said women, children and older people were among those most affected.
“Elections should be liberating and enhance dignity as a bare minimum. As we approach the 2027 elections, we should do better,” she said.
Okero said women and girls were particularly vulnerable to abuse during periods of political violence.
She called on law enforcement agencies to act swiftly to prevent violence from escalating and urged political leaders to stop using young people to carry out violence.
Okero also called for transparent, accountable, credible, free and fair elections, saying violence could prevent many Kenyans from exercising their democratic right to vote.
“Citizens should not allow themselves to be used by politicians for selfish ends,” she said.
Okero also criticised calls to amend the 2010 Constitution, saying some of the proposals were driven by hidden agendas.
She was accompanied by Safina deputy party leader Willis Otieno, who said violence during elections could leave communities politically isolated and disenfranchise voters.
Otieno said Kenyans should protect the integrity of their votes in the 2027 elections.
He also questioned why presidential election results could not be announced by 09:00 the following day, given the government’s investment in electoral technology.
“Vting ends at the polling station,” he said, questioning why the country continues to rely heavily on manual processes despite spending large sums on technology.
Otieno also warned that violence in Homa Bay could contribute to the political isolation of the Luo community.
“The administration of President William Ruto will at the end of the day realise that you have been isolated due to violence and opt to work with other people,” he said.
The civil society groups urged Kenyans to participate actively in electoral and political processes and called for measures to ensure peaceful, credible elections in 2027.
Leave a comment