#political violence

Sheikh Abu Qatada, Chairperson of the Pwani Patriotic Religious Leaders (PPRL), has condemned the rising political violence in Mombasa, stating that the increasing tension at political gatherings poses a threat to national stability if not addressed. His remarks highlight concerns among religious leaders regarding the implications of such violence on the broader political landscape.

Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda has been summoned as police expand their investigation into political violence in Kisii. According to Eastleigh Voice, seven suspects have already been arrested during a security operation conducted by the Officer Commanding Station at Keumbu and detectives from the Kisii Central Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

Political tensions have escalated between former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen as they exchanged accusations regarding the violence witnessed in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County. The dispute has raised questions about the causes of the unrest, with each side blaming the other, amid rising political temperatures ahead of the by-election on July 16, 2026, and the general election in 2027. Gachagua claimed via a post on X that the government used police and gangs to disrupt activities of his Democracy party.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tunji Disu has stated that individuals involved in political violence in Osun State will be held accountable, asserting that "nobody will commit a crime and go scot-free." Disu made these remarks during a visit to Osogbo, where he met with stakeholders ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial elections.

Religious and community leaders in Mombasa have voiced concerns over increasing political intolerance in the country, urging for restraint as the 2027 elections approach. They called on political leaders to conduct their campaigns with civility and to avoid divisive rhetoric that could incite conflict among residents and communities, promoting a message of harmonious and peaceful coexistence.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has condemned political violence and intolerance ahead of the July 16 Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election. She urged leaders and residents to engage in peaceful campaigns and reject violence, following incidents of attacks on meetings and the destruction of campaign posters for UDA Candidate Samuel Muchina. Waiguru made these remarks during engagements with residents at Rurii Ward and Nyandarua University College.

The government has issued a warning to boda boda operators against being used by politicians and criminals to engage in violence, intimidation, and disruption of public order. Officials stated that those participating in such activities will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. This announcement was made during a consultative meeting with boda boda operators and sector leaders in Vihiga.

The Osun State Police Command held a stakeholders' meeting on Wednesday to address increasing political violence ahead of the upcoming governorship election. The discussions were notably influenced by the absence of representatives from the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC), as reported by Shina Abubakar.

A Build One South Africa (BOSA) candidate was shot dead in Gugulethu, located in the Western Cape, raising concerns about political violence in the region.

Senator Philip Aruwa Gyunka, a key member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, reportedly escaped an attack by suspected political thugs while on his way to the Nasarawa North Senatorial District bye-election. This claim was made by Ango Ngharni, a media aide to Governor Abdullahi Sule, in a statement issued following the incident.