Police officers and armed goons shortly before a confrontation with Opposition politicians at Ngonda shopping center in Murang'a County on July 27, 2025.
Opposition leaders have raised concerns that the government is quietly executing a policy of intolerance toward multiparty democracy, warning that the shrinking democratic space may plunge the country into political unrest ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The leaders have accused the National Police Service (NPS) of being reduced to a presidential tool used to frustrate opposition activities, suppress dissent and intimidate citizens pushing for democratic reforms.
In the latest incident, a boda boda rider was shot in the leg on August 2, 2025, after police violently disrupted a meeting of opposition politicians affiliated with the United Opposition in Gilgil town, Nakuru County.
This was the third consecutive weekend in which opposition rallies have been disrupted. On July 27, police reportedly fired live bullets into a motorcade of anti-government politicians in Murang’a County. A similar scene played out in Subukia, Nakuru County, two weeks ago, with echoes of such unrest reported as far back as May in Kakamega.
Civil rights groups and political analysts now warn that unless the situation is urgently addressed, retaliatory violence by opposition supporters could escalate, pushing the country toward political instability.
“Despite these cowardly actions by a failed regime, our resilience and commitment shine brighter than ever. This government must know it is impossible to be loved by force,” Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua said on Sunday.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
He called on democracy stakeholders, including the international community, to condemn what he termed as state-sanctioned political violence.
“We must embrace political tolerance as we head into the 2027 elections. Violence and divisive politics have no place in our society,” said Mr Jesse Karanja, chair of the People’s Power Watch group.
'Unfair' campaigns
Opposition figures have accused President William Ruto and his allies of traversing the country to campaign for his re-election while denying the opposition freedom of worship, assembly and expression.
Speaking in the United States on Saturday, Mr Gachagua described the violence as “barbaric, dictatorial and against the soul of the nation,” adding that the country was slipping into authoritarianism.
“President Ruto has shamelessly given an order for critics to be shot in the leg—exactly what happened in Gilgil. But we will fix our country in due course,” he said.
While the NPS maintains that opposition players enjoy all constitutionally guaranteed freedoms, opposition leaders insist the State is implementing a clandestine strategy of intimidation and suppression.
“The government is determined to curb our growing influence through brute force. In the past three weeks alone, police have fired live bullets into our vehicles, teargassed our supporters, and unleashed hired goons to dehumanize both leaders and civilians,” said Nyandarua Senator John Methu.
He spoke at PEFA Kaharati Church in Murang’a County on Sunday.
Nyandarua County Senator John Muhia Methu during the press conference at Parliament buildings Nairobi on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
Political analyst Prof Tom Nyamache warned that if the violence is not checked, it could escalate dangerously in the lead-up to the next elections.
“This resurgence of political goons and the weaponisation of state security is deeply concerning. It’s a threat to democracy,” Prof Nyamache said.
However, speaking on August 1 in Murang’a, Deputy Inspector General of Police Mr Gilbert Masengeli distanced the service from the alleged violence.
“I don’t know about any evil being planned against the opposition, but everyone has legally protected freedom of expression,” Mr Masengeli said.
Pressed to explain the recent police crackdowns, he said, “All must follow the Constitution. Everyone has freedom of expression,” but did not elaborate on why opposition meetings are being disrupted.
Opposition leaders have dismissed the police response as selective and insincere.
“It is disgusting to hear these officers speak out of both sides of their mouths. Our members narrowly survived an assassination attempt last Sunday in Murang’a, and yet no statement has been issued,” said People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua.
“We have irrefutable evidence of live bullets being fired directly into our vehicles. Instead of threats, rogue officers and their militia allies should be brought to justice,” she added.
DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala echoed her sentiments, saying: “The NPS has become a puppet of the President. The violence unleashed against opposition figures has gone unresolved for over a year. Mr Gachagua has been subjected to sustained state-sponsored intolerance throughout his grassroots engagements.”
