Kenya Risks Election Unrest in 2027, Gachagua Warns

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has warned that Kenya is facing an increasingly volatile security situation ahead of the 2027 General Election, alleging that state-linked violence is being used to intimidate political opponents and voters.

Speaking during a televised interview, Gachagua accused the government of deliberately encouraging disorder to weaken the opposition. He claimed that organised gangs, often operating alongside police officers, are being deployed to disrupt political activities in opposition strongholds. 

According to him, the aim is to instil fear, suppress voter turnout and fragment resistance to the ruling coalition. He warned that such actions risk pushing the country towards widespread unrest if left unchecked.

Gachagua also criticised the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), arguing that it has failed to act independently in the face of intimidation. The commission has acknowledged receiving reports of voter harassment and interference during the November 2025 by-elections. 

Observers recorded incidents of violence, bribery and breaches of ballot secrecy, while IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon confirmed that hired groups were used to intimidate voters and election officials, raising concerns about the commission’s ability to conduct credible elections. The former deputy president said the problem extends beyond isolated cases. 

He cited several personal attacks, including an incident during a church service in April 2025 that resulted in damaged vehicles. He claimed to have been targeted more than 15 times without any arrests being made, which he described as evidence that the police service is compromised. 

He alleged that senior leadership within the security services has prevented officers on the ground from acting independently, and accused President William Ruto of failing to uphold commitments to keep security agencies out of political affairs. Gachagua rejected claims by government allies that the opposition is orchestrating violence to gain public sympathy. 

He described such assertions as dangerous and misleading, pointing to the use of tear gas and armed police patrols as evidence of state involvement. He added that the government’s denials are undermined by the president’s own public acknowledgement of the existence of political gangs.

Addressing plans for the coming months, Gachagua announced a two-month series of rallies across the Mt Kenya region early this year. He warned matatu owners against allowing their vehicles to be used to transport hired groups, and said the violence witnessed during the November by-elections should be seen as an early indication of what could occur in 2027. 

He cautioned the government against interpreting electoral wins achieved under such conditions as a reflection of genuine public support. Gachagua also sought to challenge claims that his Democratic Change Party (DCP) is limited to ethnic support. 

He pointed to victories and strong performances outside the Mt Kenya region, including a ward win in Khwisero in western Kenya and notable results in Nairobi. He said these outcomes demonstrate that the party has a broader national base and rejected accusations of tribalism.