18th August, 2026
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) strongly condemns the escalating political intolerance, violence, incitement, and use of organized groups to intimidate, threaten and disrupt the rights and freedoms of Kenyans. The loss of life, attacks against civilians and security officers, destruction of property, threats against political opponents, and the growing use of inflammatory and divisive rhetoric are deeply disturbing and wholly unacceptable in a constitutional democracy.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has between June and August 2026 documented the following incidents:
1. On 12th June 2026 there was violent disruption of a public participation forum on the 2026/27 national budget at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi where armed men stormed the premises, assaulted participants and damaged property.
2. On 3rd July 2026, there was a fatal attack during a political rally in Keumbu, Kisii County;
3. On 11th July 2026, there was an attack on a political convoy near Gilgil; and on 12th July 2026, there were disruptions of political activities in Kisumu and Nyahururu, including an attack on a church service at St Stephen’s Cathedral in Kisumu, which resulted in loss of life;
4. On 23rd July 2026, there was an attack on journalists from Mt Elgon TV while covering a political aspirant in Kimilili, Bungoma County, in which one journalist was seriously injured.
5. In July 2026 in Ol Kalou, during the period leading to the by-election, unprecedented violence was documented by the KNCHR, as captured in its report, ‘Perilous Politics: Human Rights Compliance Analysis of the 16th July 2026 Ol Kalou Constituency By Election. In July 2026 in Ol Kalou, during the period leading to the by-election, unprecedented violence was documented by the KNCHR, as captured in its report, ‘Perilous Politics: Human Rights Compliance Analysis of the 16th July 2026 Ol Kalou Constituency By Election. Perilous Politics - Ol Kalou By-Election Full Report July 2026.pdf
6. On 12th August 2026, youth advocates and human rights defenders associated with VOCAL Africa and partner organizations were reportedly attacked and dispersed outside the Mombasa County Assembly while presenting a memorandum on the implementation of the Mombasa County Youth Policy, with a Nation Media Group photojournalist covering the event also reported injured.
7. On 14th August 2026, in the Nakuru Town West area, violence was meted out on citizens during a politically related convoy;
8. On 16th August 2026, in Homa Bay, it is reported that two people lost their lives, a police officer and a civilian, during political-related violence in Homa Bay County. During this period, similar reports emerged of attacks on political convoys in Mulot, Bomet County, and disturbances in Salgaa.
The Commission conveys its heartfelt condolences to all bereaved families for the lives lost senselessly, sympathizes with those who suffered loss of property, and wishes a quick and full recovery to the several people who were reported injured in all these political events.
KNCHR is gravely concerned about the increasing number of reported fatalities and the wider reports of incitement, intimidation, destruction of property, obstruction of movement, attacks against journalists and the alleged mobilization of organized groups in connection with political activities in the Country.
The Commission is especially concerned by reports of political speeches and public utterances that may have encouraged hostility, intimidation or violence against persons perceived to hold opposing political views or to participate in political activities associated with particular individuals or groups.
KNCHR has, in particular, documented speeches by politicians employing rhetoric likely to incite violence, including:
1. Explicitly urging supporters to attack, harass, or use physical force against opponents.
2. Referencing rival groups as "animals," "diseases," or "infestations,"
3. Inciting crowds and framing violence as a necessary, urgent self-defense mechanism.
The KNCHR acknowledges that while some of the terms may have been used metaphorically, in Kenya’s current context, it is important to recognize that political leaders hold significant influence over their supporters. Such remarks may be interpreted literally or acted upon by supporters, even where they were intended as metaphors.
The Commission therefore urges the politicians to exercise caution in their speeches to avoid inciting their supporters to violence. Violence and attacks against law enforcement officers, civilians, journalists, political actors and other members of the public are unacceptable. Equally unacceptable is any interference with the lawful exercise of political and civic rights. Such conduct undermines democratic participation, public confidence in institutions, the rule of law and Kenya’s human rights obligations. The safety and security of all persons must be protected, and law enforcement agencies must at all times act lawfully, impartially and in accordance with the Constitution and applicable human rights standards.
The Commission is also concerned by the recurring restriction of movement and disruption of lawful political activities, which has emerged as a defining feature of the current political environment. The blockading of roads, obstruction of processions and convoys, and the deliberate disruption of rallies, meetings and church services curtail the constitutional rights to freedom of movement, peaceful assembly, association and political participation guaranteed under Articles 36, 37, 38 and 39 of the Constitution. Left unaddressed, this emerging pattern risks normalizing roadblocks, barricades and organized disruption as instruments of political competition, with far-reaching consequences for Kenya’s democratic space ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Commission has taken note of reports of incitement by political actors, destruction of business premises and other property, road blockages, arrests and the alleged involvement of organized groups commonly referred to as “goons.”
The KNCHR calls on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to undertake expeditious, independent and impartial investigations of the allegations of incitement.
The above-mentioned incidents are not isolated and the Commission has noted a worrying pattern of recurring political intolerance and violence across the country during the months of June, July and August 2026, affecting different political formations, journalists, civil society and human rights defenders.
All these incidents point to a worrying and recurring pattern of political intolerance, violence and intimidation that threatens democratic participation, public safety and the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and which, if not urgently addressed, risks leading the country into a precipice. The KNCHR strongly condemns political intolerance and the alleged use of goons in all these instances. Political differences must never be resolved through violence, threats, coercion or impunity.
The Commission therefore calls upon:
a) The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to urgently, independently and impartially investigate all reported incidents, including allegations of incitement, violence and destruction of property, and ensure that all persons found culpable, including politicians, perpetrators, organizers, financiers and inciters of violence, are brought to justice in accordance with the law.
b) The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to expeditiously investigate allegations of hate speech, incitement and conduct likely to undermine national cohesion, and to take appropriate action within its statutory mandate.
c) The Inspector-General of the National Police Service to take a firm, impartial and lawful stance against political violence and “goonism”; ensure equal and effective protection for all persons lawfully exercising their constitutional rights and freedoms, including journalists and media workers; and direct timely action to prevent, investigate and address politically motivated violence.
d) Political leaders, political parties and their supporters to unequivocally reject violence, cease the use of inflammatory rhetoric, intimidation and the use of organized groups/goons, and to demonstrate political tolerance by respecting the rights and freedoms of all persons regardless of their political affiliation or opinion.
e) All relevant duty bearers to strengthen early-warning, prevention and response mechanisms in areas where political tensions may escalate, with a view to preventing violence and protecting the rights and safety of all persons.
f) Members of the public, particularly young people, to reject recruitment, payment, mobilization or incitement to violence, intimidation, destruction of property and other human rights violations, and to exercise their political and civic rights peacefully while respecting the rights of others.
The Commission reiterates its call to all relevant duty bearers to urgently implement the recommendations contained in its report, Perilous Politics: Human Rights Compliance Analysis of the 16th July 2026 Ol Kalou Constituency By-Election which sets out the Commission's findings and recommendations on human rights compliance during the Ol Kalou by-election.
The KNCHR will continue to monitor the situation, engage relevant duty bearers and work with partners, regional networks, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), human rights defenders (HRDs) and the public to strengthen early warning, prevention and timely response to emerging violations.
The Commission calls on anyone with information on any human rights concerns to share through the following channels: Email: haki@knchr.org, SMS: 22359, WhatsApp: 0798849871 and Toll-Free Line: 0800 720 627. Haki Kwa Wote, Kila Wakati!
Claris Ogangah,
Chairperson, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).