Moses Kuria, leader of the Chama Cha Kazi party, warned against using thugs for politics in 2026 and 2027. The country heats up as the 2027 election nears.
On January 3, 2026, he posted on X. The ex-Trade Cabinet Secretary said this path would drag some leaders to the International Criminal Court.
He wrote, “The top threat to Kenya’s safety and democracy is using thugs to rally support in 2026 and 2027. I spoke with friends in the diplomatic world. Some will face the ICC. No witnesses will vanish this time!”
Kuria spoke out after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen warned politicians who rely on thugs. Murkomen said funders of thug violence will face justice soon. Their time is up.
On December 3, 2025, Murkomen told a TV station the government won’t protect bad police or politicians who aid crime gangs.
He called it a big security problem. The November 27, 2025, by-elections showed links between police and men with machetes. Gangs grow because players from both political sides fuel them.
Spotlight on thugs “Some back the government but fund gangs. We won’t allow it. We can’t shield them just for supporting or fighting the president,” he said.
Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party, blamed President William Ruto. He cited rising attacks on churchgoers, women, kids, and priests. Chaos hit PCEA Kariobangi North Church.
Gachagua posted on Facebook on November 30, 2025. Police had fired tear gas inside and outside during his thanksgiving service with other leaders.
“William Ruto turns Kenya into a militia land. Women, kids, and churches face deadly hits,” he said.
He accused the state of sending thugs to punish voters who rejected the ruling party’s candidate in the by-election.
“For the record, William Ruto, your thugs and police attacked us at PCEA Kariobangi North church today. You punish Kariobangi North for picking against your UDA guy. It shows your desperation,” he stated.
