Political violence puts Kenyan women lawmakers and aspirants on edge
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
What you need to know:
- Leaders warn that rising political violence and intimidation could undermine women’s participation in Kenya’s 2027 elections.
- Female aspirants say threats, digital violence and security costs are making political participation increasingly difficult.
Recent violence linked to electoral campaigns has opened a debate, particularly over the security of women aspirants on the campaign trail as the clock ticks towards the 2027 General Election.
In Homa Bay, violent scenes surrounding the Linda Mwananchi rally disrupted business and transport. Journalists covering the events were also caught up in the chaos. In Nakuru, the Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua and his entourage were also attacked, leaving a trail of destruction.
In the wake of these attacks, which were allegedly enabled by goons, women leaders and aspirants have raised concerns about the worrying trend that puts their lives and those of their supporters in danger.
They have called for the arrest and prosecution of individuals found to be inciting or organising violence. Senator Hamida Kibwana says the rise in political temperatures is already worrying, particularly because women and other vulnerable groups often bear the consequences when political disputes turn violent.
“It’s quite unfortunate that we are already witnessing an increase in political tensions. We can only pray and hope that the situation doesn’t worsen, particularly for women.”
Gilgil MP Martha Wangari says the incidents in Homa Bay and Nakuru should serve as a wake-up call to the country, warning that political violence appears to be spreading beyond individual constituencies or regions, with women aspirants and voters among those who will face the greatest danger. She recalls the violence witnessed during last month’s Ol Kalou by-election, saying residents, including women and girls, were caught up in the unrest.
“I urge Kenyans and political leaders to take the trend seriously before the country enters the intense campaign period for the 2027 election,” the legislator says.
Senator Consolata Wakwabubi says the mayhem witnessed in Homa Bay shows a worrying trend and an acute rise in “goonism”. She has appealed to security agencies and politicians to work together to prevent further violence. “I hope security teams and all the leaders work together to stop this kind of violence,” she says.
For Faith Lukosi, who is running for Makadara MP in Nairobi, things have not been rosy. In a WhatsApp group, someone warned her not to dare step into the interior parts of the constituency. Faith says the person further warned her through Facebook posts that they would gang up and rape her if she ignored his warning.
“Following my concerns about accountability, I observed organised online assaults aimed at me. The man warned that if I set foot on the ground, they would repeatedly rape me. This frightened and made me hesitate about going to the ground.”
Unexpected expenses
Faith has decided to come up with a security team that accompanies her whenever she visits the constituency. The case is no different for Dr Julia Chege, the vice-chairperson of the Democratic Party of Kenya, who is vying for the Kangema parliamentary seat in Murang’a County.
“I have had to set aside a budget for security, something that I must say is draining me financially one year to the general election. I am investing heavily in my security because I must take the threats I face seriously,” Dr Chege said during a recent interview with the Nation at a forum for women aspirants convened by the Association of Media Women in Kenya.
“I’m uncertain about what could occur when I’m in the area. The problem of digital violence is having a significant impact on female hopefuls like me. It has introduced extra financial burdens that didn’t originally exist. If I don’t have funds for security, I choose not to participate at events in the constituency.”
Dr Chege says the growing “goonism” problem has affected her, not only as a woman aspirant but also as a leader who believes strongly in peaceful, democratic participation. “I have had to become much more conscious of my personal security whenever I attend political meetings, public gatherings, markets, malls and campaign activities.”
She reveals that she has had to take additional precautions around her movements and public engagements to ensure her safety. “I have to be more deliberate about where and when I hold my meetings or other meetings that I attend. I also ensure people close to me know my movements, avoiding unnecessary exposure to volatile situations and, where necessary, having trusted people accompany me during certain engagements,” she says.
She adds that what concerns her most as an aspirant is that “goonism” threatens the foundation of democracy. “Elections should be about ideas, policies, leadership record and the ability to serve—not who can intimidate, threaten or physically overpower others or flex more. Despite the 'goonism' menace, women should not retreat from politics because of goons, as that would give violence the victory.”
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She notes that women should campaign, speak to citizens and seek leadership without fear of intimidation, harassment or physical harm. “I believe that security agencies, political parties, candidates and communities have a responsibility to ensure political spaces remain safe. We need stronger enforcement against political violence, accountability for perpetrators and political leadership that refuses to recruit, finance or protect goons, including the government.”
Dr Chege says she remains committed to her political cause, adding that she will not allow intimidation to define her journey. She observes that it is the duty of all Kenyans to create a country where women, young people and every citizen can participate in politics freely, safely and with dignity. “There is a real concern that political violence and intimidation can discourage women from participating fully in politics and leadership.”
The women leaders have warned that the incidents witnessed over the weekend signal a dangerous return to the politics of intimidation ahead of the 2027 General Election, urging security agencies to act before political tensions escalate.
Reporting originally appeared via Nation Africa. Read the full source for additional context.