Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has issued a strong appeal to political leaders across the country to desist from deploying groups of hired individuals to interfere with public functions, cautioning that the practice threatens national cohesion and could plunge Kenya into disorder.
Speaking during a public engagement attended by residents, students, and local leaders, the governor expressed concern over a growing pattern where some politicians allegedly organize and finance disruptive elements to cause chaos during meetings, rallies, and community events. He said the trend, if left unchecked, risks eroding the peace that Kenyans have worked hard to build and could set a dangerous precedent for political engagement.
Governor Lusaka noted that public forums are meant to be platforms for dialogue, debate, and the exchange of ideas. When such spaces are invaded by groups intended to intimidate or silence others, he argued, the very essence of democracy is compromised.
“Leadership is about persuasion, not intimidation,” the governor stated. “When we resort to mobilizing disruptive groups to shout down opponents or break up gatherings, we are not practicing politics. We are practicing anarchy.”
He warned that normalizing such behavior could have long-term consequences for the country. According to him, the repeated disruption of events creates an environment of fear, discourages citizens from participating in civic matters, and undermines the rule of law.
The governor further stressed that Kenya’s democratic progress over the past decades must not be taken for granted. He pointed out that the Constitution guarantees freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, and the right of every citizen to attend and speak at public meetings without fear of violence.
Lusaka explained that the effects of political disruptions go beyond the immediate chaos. When events are interfered with, he said, important discussions on development, service delivery, and community issues are derailed.
“Many times these gatherings are about schools, hospitals, roads, water, and jobs. When they are broken up, it is ordinary wananchi who suffer because their concerns are never addressed,” he said.
He also highlighted the risk to young people who attend such events. Schools and youth forums, in particular, should remain safe spaces for learning and mentorship, not arenas for political confrontation. The presence of disruptive elements, he noted, exposes students and other vulnerable groups to unnecessary danger.
The governor urged political leaders to compete on the basis of ideas and track records rather than on who can command the loudest or most aggressive crowd. He called for maturity, tolerance, and mutual respect among leaders from different political persuasions.
In his remarks, Governor Lusaka called on security agencies to remain vigilant and impartial in handling cases of public disorder. He said law enforcement must act decisively to prevent groups from being used to destabilize meetings, while also ensuring that genuine political activity is protected.
At the same time, he challenged citizens to reject leaders who promote violence and division. “As voters and community members, we have a responsibility. We should not cheer or support leaders who think the way to win support is through chaos. Peace is not negotiable,” he added.
He emphasized that development can only thrive in an environment of stability. Investors, partners, and government programs are more likely to succeed in counties and constituencies where calm prevails and where leaders focus on problem-solving instead of confrontation.
The governor’s remarks come at a time when concerns about political intolerance have been raised in several parts of the country. Across different counties, reports have emerged of meetings being interrupted, leaders being heckled, and events ending prematurely due to confrontations.
Political analysts have linked the trend to heightened competition ahead of future elections, as well as to frustrations over economic and governance issues. However, many leaders and civil society groups agree that violence and disruption are not legitimate tools of political expression.
Governor Lusaka’s message adds to a growing chorus of leaders calling for a return to issue-based politics. He argued that Kenya’s challenges — including unemployment, cost of living, health care, and education — require collective solutions that can only be found through civil engagement.
“Let us debate. Let us disagree. But let us do it with respect,” he said. “That is the mark of a mature democracy.”
The Bungoma governor also urged his fellow leaders in the county and beyond to lead by example. He said those in positions of authority must model the behavior they expect from their supporters.
This includes condemning acts of disruption regardless of who is involved, ensuring that their own events are open and peaceful, and encouraging dialogue even with political opponents.
He noted that Bungoma, like many other counties, has made strides in development and social harmony, and that these gains must be protected. “We cannot allow a few individuals to undo the progress we have made because of personal or political differences,” he stated.
Governor Lusaka concluded by calling for a multi-stakeholder approach to addressing the issue. He proposed that political parties, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and the media work together to promote peaceful political culture.
He suggested more civic education to help citizens understand their rights and responsibilities, and to equip young people with skills for non-violent engagement. He also encouraged media houses to highlight stories of leaders who are building bridges rather than those who thrive on conflict.
“We are one people,” the governor said. “Our strength is in our unity. Let us not allow politics to divide us or to destroy the peace we enjoy.”
As the country continues to navigate its democratic journey, calls like that of Governor Lusaka serve as a reminder that the health of democracy depends not just on laws and institutions, but on the conduct of leaders and citizens in everyday political life.
The message is clear: public events belong to the people. They should be spaces for ideas, not intimidation. And the responsibility to keep them that way rests with everyone from the highest elected official to the ordinary citizen in attendance.
Comments
No approved comments yet. Be the first to join the conversation.