Human Rights Activist Calls for Tough Action on Political Violence

Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has called on security agencies to take decisive action against individuals allegedly planning to disrupt the upcoming National Delegates Conference (NDC) of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, Ngetich, speaking on behalf of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, condemned what he described as a coordinated scheme to deploy hired youths to cause chaos at the event. He warned that such actions pose a serious threat to democratic governance and public safety.

Ngetich urged the Inspector General of Police and the Ministry of Interior to act swiftly on intelligence reports indicating that organized groups had allegedly been mobilized from various parts of Nairobi and its outskirts to interfere with the ODM gathering. He emphasized that failure to act could embolden political violence and undermine constitutional freedoms.

The activist also criticized attempts to link William Ruto to the alleged disruption plans, terming such claims as রাজনৈতিক scapegoating intended to inflame tensions. He noted that President Ruto, as leader of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), has publicly supported the strengthening of political parties and national cohesion.

At the same time, Ngetich accused sections of the opposition, including figures such as Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, of fostering political tension due to fears over potential alliances ahead of future elections.

He further took issue with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, urging him to pursue his political ambitions independently rather than allegedly destabilizing ODM from within.

Ngetich warned that the growing trend of hiring organized groups to intimidate opponents risks entrenching a culture of violence in Kenyan politics. “When political competition is replaced with fear, it erodes public trust and threatens the very fabric of democracy,” he said.

He called on law enforcement agencies to guarantee a peaceful and secure environment for all political actors, stressing that the rights to assembly and association are enshrined in the Constitution and must be protected.

The activist also issued a caution to young people against being used to perpetrate violence, noting that those found engaging in criminal activities would face the full force of the law.

“As a country, we must uphold peaceful multiparty democracy where competition is based on ideas, not intimidation,” Ngetich stated.