Rights Groups Sue Murkomen, NIS Chief Haji and IG Kanja Over Alleged Political Violence Ahead of 2027 Polls

Three human rights organisations and three individuals have sued Kenya’s top security officials, accusing State agencies of failing to prevent or adequately investigate attacks on political meetings, civic forums and other public gatherings as the country moves towards the 2027 General Election.

The petition, filed at the Milimani Law Courts on Wednesday, 28 October, names Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, National Intelligence Service Director-General Noordin Haji and Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja as respondents.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), Katiba Institute and the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) are among the petitioners. They want the court to order investigations into alleged organised violence, identify those suspected of financing and coordinating attacks, and ensure lawful public gatherings receive equal protection.

At the heart of the case is whether security agencies are responding consistently to threats against people exercising their constitutional rights to political participation, peaceful assembly, association and freedom of expression.

The petitioners argue that repeated attacks, coupled with what they describe as inadequate investigations, risk creating an environment in which people are afraid to attend political rallies, speak at civic forums or report on public events.

Past attacks form the basis of the petition

The petition cites incidents reported in several parts of the country since early 2025, including Nairobi, Kisumu, Meru, Kisii, Homa Bay, Gilgil, Kitengela and Ol Kalou.

One of the key incidents is the attack on KHRC’s Nairobi offices on 6 July 2025. Armed individuals reportedly disrupted a press conference involving mothers of victims of alleged extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.

KHRC said journalists, staff and other attendees were assaulted, while property and media equipment were damaged or stolen. The organisation later said it had provided police with CCTV footage and formally reported the incident.

In July 2026, the commission said no one had been charged over the attack a year after it occurred. The petitioners now want the court to compel the relevant agencies to account for the progress of investigations and any steps taken towards prosecution.

The case also refers to violence at a civil society meeting at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi on 12 June 2026 and an attack on a convoy associated with the Linda Mwananchi political movement in Homa Bay on 16 August 2026.

The Homa Bay incident left at least three people dead, according to Human Rights Watch. Journalists covering the events were also assaulted, and some lost equipment and other belongings.

The incidents have intensified concerns about the safety of journalists, opposition supporters and civil society groups during political mobilisation.

Petition seeks action against alleged organisers and financiers

The organisations say the reported attacks should not be treated as isolated incidents. They argue that allegations of people being recruited or paid to disrupt public events warrant investigations into the individuals and networks allegedly coordinating the violence.

They want the National Police Service and the National Intelligence Service to investigate the incidents, preserve relevant evidence and identify those suspected of organising or funding the attacks.

The petition also seeks a coordinated, multi-agency task force involving police investigators and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, working with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Under the proposed framework, the petitioners want investigators to track reported incidents, establish who may have organised or financed them, and submit investigation files to the DPP for consideration of possible charges.

They are also seeking court-supervised reporting on progress, including updates on investigations, prosecutions and measures to prevent further attacks.

The proposed orders would require security agencies to protect lawful public gatherings without discrimination, including political rallies, religious services, press conferences and civic meetings.

The petitioners further want the court to examine the status of a nationwide crackdown on alleged organisers and financiers of political violence that State officials announced in December 2025 and subsequently referred to in 2026.

Election concerns grow as violence is documented

The legal challenge comes as Kenya approaches the next General Election, scheduled for 10 August 2027.

A September report by Human Rights Watch documented attacks on political and civic gatherings, including the Homa Bay incident, and called on authorities to ensure those responsible were held accountable.

Separately, KHRC reported 284 human rights incidents affecting 3,222 people between January and July 2026. Its findings included 46 deaths attributed to police. These figures reflect the commission’s documentation and should not be interpreted as a judicial finding on individual cases.

The wider concern is that intimidation and violence can limit participation in public life well before election day. When people fear being attacked for attending meetings or covering political events, the impact extends beyond those directly harmed to the public’s ability to debate issues and make political choices freely.

The petitioners argue that early intervention is therefore necessary, rather than waiting until the campaign period is under way.

Security officials’ response remains important

The petition makes serious allegations against senior officials responsible for internal security and intelligence. However, the claims have not been established by a court, and the filing of the case does not in itself prove that the respondents directed, enabled or unlawfully failed to prevent the attacks.

The officials and agencies named in the case should have an opportunity to respond to the allegations and explain what investigations or preventive measures have been undertaken.

The court will determine whether the orders sought are justified and what obligations, if any, should be imposed on the respondents.

The outcome could have implications for how security agencies document and investigate political violence, protect public gatherings and demonstrate accountability in the months before the 2027 elections.

About the Author

Maureen Onyango is a journalist passionate about storytelling, life coaching and spiritual lessons. She studied at the Kenya Institute of Management and enjoys telling stories that inform, inspire and empower communities.