Moses Kuria/FILE
Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has warned that the use of hired goons as instruments of political mobilisation poses a serious threat to Kenya’s security and democratic stability ahead of the 2026 and 2027 political cycles.
In a statement on Saturday, Kuria cautioned that political violence and organised intimidation could attract international scrutiny, including potential cases at the International Criminal Court (ICC), if left unchecked.
“The biggest risk to Kenya’s security and democracy is the use of goons as tools of political Mobilisation in 2026 and 2027,” Kuria said.
He linked the warning to conversations he says he has held with members of the diplomatic community, suggesting growing international concern over Kenya’s political trajectory as the country edges closer to the next general election.
“I have talked to several friends from the Diplomatic Community. I can tell you without fear of contradiction that some people will end up at the ICC. This time round, no witnesses will disappear!” Kuria added.
Kuria’s remarks come against the backdrop of heightened political activity as parties begin early manoeuvring for the 2027 General Election, a period that has historically been associated with tensions, sporadic violence and accusations of mobilising informal groups to disrupt opponents’ activities.
Kenya has previously faced scrutiny from the ICC following the 2007–2008 post-election violence, which left more than 1,000 people dead and displaced hundreds of thousands.
Although the cases collapsed, largely due to insufficient evidence and witness-related challenges, Kuria’s comments allude to a belief that accountability mechanisms could be more effective in future.
The former CS’s warning adds to ongoing calls by civil society groups, religious leaders and security experts urging political leaders to commit to peaceful engagement and to avoid rhetoric or actions that could inflame tensions.
There have been instances of political intolerance as the opposition and the government continue to warm up ahead of the 2027 polls.