"Rise to the occasion": UK raises alarm over goons, political violence in Kenya
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- The UK has urged Kenya to maintain peace before, during and after the 2027 General Election to safeguard democracy
- British High Commissioner emphasises education for underserved children in informal settlements
- Recent political violence highlights urgent need for safety and stability in Kenya's electoral process
The United Kingdom has urged Kenyan political leaders and their supporters to uphold peaceful conduct and avoid actions that could trigger electoral violence, warning that disruptions of political activities threaten the country’s democratic gains.
British High Commissioner to Kenya Matt Baugh called for calm and peace during the current political period, saying a peaceful Kenya will help drive economic growth and strengthen ties between Kenya, the United Kingdom, and other countries
Speaking in Nakuru at The Walk Centre, a community initiative that supports children from informal settlements, Baugh expressed concern that the current political situation in the country risks rolling back gains made so far.
He said that it is incumbent upon the political parties participating in the 2027 elections to ensure that the elections are conducted safely and securely.
"I am confident that they can rise to the occasion and ensure that the environment to conduct the elections is achieved without any hitches that may deny Kenyans the constitutional right to make decisions," he said.
On education, he called on the government to prioritise education needs and create a conducive environment for every child in the country.
Baugh further challenged well-wishers to support learners from underserved communities.
Walk Centre Academy Director, Rev. Alex Maina, welcomed the support from the UK embassy and other well-wishers to support learners, saying that there is a need for more social support for underprivileged and vulnerable children in society.
Maureen Nashikanda, one of the beneficiaries at the centre, said that their lives in the informal settlements denied them an opportunity to enjoy a proper educational system.
She said that the intervention has helped them to find purpose in life and strive to ensure they transform the communities they have left behind.
Baugh's sentiments came days after a deadly confrontation was witnessed in Homa Bay during the political activities of the Linda Mwananchi team, leaving a trail of deaths, destruction of property, and injuries.
Leaders across the political divide have expressed concern that the rising incidents of political goonism may disrupt the 2027 elections.
As political tensions escalate, the stakes for the upcoming elections have never been higher, with Kenyans facing the unsettling possibility of contested results and widespread disillusionment.
We previously highlighted concerns raised by IEBC Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana regarding the erosion of public trust in the commission ahead of the 2027 elections.
Mukhwana warned that sustained attacks on the electoral body were risky and could cause chaos next year. He asked politicians to be responsible while engaging citizens in public rallies.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Masolo Mabonga (HOD Politics and Current Affairs) Masolo Mabonga is the HOD of the Political and Current Affairs desk. He graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication and Media Technology from Maseno University in 2017 and has previously worked with KNA and Opera News. He is a recipient of Elevate scholarship (2022) and is currently pursuing a law degree at MKU. Masolo has also received training from the Google News Initiative on Advanced Digital Reporting, Fighting Misinformation, and Experimenting with New Formats (2024). He has over seven years of experience in digital media. Email: masolo.mabonga@tuko.co.ke.
Elijah Cherutich (Nakuru freelance reporter) Elijah Cherutich is a trained Kenyan journalist with over 10 years of experience in radio and digital media. He is currently based in Nakuru city in the Rift Valley region, working as a TUKO.co.ke correspondent. Email: elijahcherutich@gmail.com.
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.