Eliud Owalo Condemns Political Violence, Calls for Protection of Constitutional Rights Ahead of 2027

2027 presidential aspirant Eliud Owalo has condemned what he described as rising political violence, intimidation and intolerance in different parts of Kenya, warning that the country must reject a return to politics driven by fear and coercion.

Owalo cited violence reported during the recent Ol Kalou by-election and alleged attacks targeting opposition and political actors in Homa Bay County as disturbing signs of a political culture that Kenya must decisively reject.

In a statement, Owalo said political competition should be based on ideas, policies and leadership rather than violence, threats, destruction of property or the mobilisation of gangs against political opponents.

“Politics must be a contest of ideas, policies and leadership—not a contest of violence,” Owalo said.

He expressed particular concern over the alleged recruitment and mobilisation of young people to participate in political violence, saying the country's youth should instead be empowered to create businesses, jobs and participate meaningfully in democratic processes.

“Our youth should never be reduced to instruments of political violence or hired muscle for political interests,” he said.

Rights belong to every Kenyan

Owalo invoked the Constitution's protections for political participation, peaceful assembly and freedom of movement, arguing that no Kenyan should be prevented from attending a political meeting or campaigning because of their political affiliation, ethnicity, county of origin or preferred candidate.

He cited Article 37, which guarantees the right to peacefully and unarmed assemble, demonstrate, picket and petition public authorities, and Article 38, which protects citizens' political rights, including participation in political parties, campaigns and free and fair elections.

He also pointed to Article 39, which guarantees freedom of movement and the right of citizens to enter, remain in and reside anywhere in Kenya.

“Homa Bay is Kenya. Ol Kalou is Kenya. Nairobi is Kenya. Every part of Kenya belongs equally to every Kenyan,” Owalo said.

He rejected what he described as the notion that particular political parties or leaders have exclusive political ownership of specific regions.

Call for impartial investigations

Owalo called on the National Police Service and other investigative and prosecutorial agencies to investigate reported cases of political violence thoroughly, impartially and transparently.

He said individuals who organise, finance, transport, arm, incite or participate in political violence should be held personally accountable regardless of their political connections or status.

“There can be no selective application of the law, or condemnation of political violence,” he said.

Owalo argued that the same standards should apply whether victims are government supporters, opposition supporters, presidential candidates, ordinary citizens, journalists or members of the security services.

He also urged political leaders, parties and their supporters to exercise restraint and avoid provocation as the country moves towards the 2027 General Election.

Warning ahead of 2027

Owalo said Kenya's next general election must allow citizens to freely listen to competing political visions, attend political meetings, campaign for candidates of their choice and vote without fear.

“Our democracy cannot be credible if citizens have to seek permission from political actors before exercising rights guaranteed to them by the Constitution,” he said.

He warned against turning political disagreement into hostility, saying Kenya's democratic institutions must ensure that governments change through elections rather than intimidation or violence.

“Kenya is bigger than any political party, candidate or election,” Owalo said.

The presidential aspirant called on Kenyans across the political divide to reject what he termed “goonism, intolerance and political violence” and defend citizens' constitutional rights and the integrity of the ballot.

He said the country should build a political culture where leaders compete vigorously but peacefully, citizens disagree respectfully and political competition does not become a licence for violence.

“Let us defend the Constitution. Let us defend the right of every Kenyan to participate freely in our democracy. Let us defend the sanctity of the ballot. And, above all, let us refuse to make violence the language of Kenyan politics,” Owalo said.