People's Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has condemned the reported violence and disruption targeting the Linda Mwananchi movement.
In a statement on Sunday, August 16, Karua criticised reports of attacks and disruptions during the movement's political activities in Homa Bay County.
She challenged President William Ruto to demonstrate his commitment to democracy by allowing political competition without intimidation, warning that violence against opponents threatens the country's constitutional order.
"If you cannot handle political competition, resign. Do not destabilize an entire country simply because its people are demanding a different choice," she wrote.
Karua said the reported incidents in Homa Bay, including road blockades, burning of tyres, attacks on the Linda Mwananchi convoy and disruption of planned political gatherings, should not be accepted in a constitutional democracy.
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She also raised concern over reports that individuals entered a hotel while allegedly searching for members of the movement.
Karua argued that the latest developments were part of a wider pattern of disruption targeting Linda Mwananchi-related political activities.
She cited previous incidents in Kisii, where a convoy was reportedly attacked by people armed with clubs and stones, resulting in the death of supporter Vincent Osiemo from injuries sustained during the attack.
Karua also pointed to an incident in Nyahururu where a political rally was disrupted, as well as claims by Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata that his driver was shot.
Karua maintained that political competition should not become a contest over which side can deploy the most violent groups to silence its rivals.
"If citizens cannot travel to a political meeting, hold a rally, or express an alternative political view without fearing attack, then we must ask ourselves what kind of democracy we are.
"The Constitution cannot protect Kenyans on paper while goons determine who is allowed to exercise those freedoms on the ground," she added.
Karua further warned that allowing political violence to continue unchecked could have wider consequences for the country, drawing attention to Kenya's past experiences with political intolerance.
"We have seen, in this country's past, what happens when political intolerance is allowed to fester unchallenged. It does not stay contained to one county, one convoy, one rally. It grows, and it is always ordinary Kenyans, not the politicians who fund the goons, who pay the price," she further said.
Karua called for investigations into the alleged violence beyond the arrest of individuals found at the scenes.
She said authorities should establish the people behind the organization, financing and deployment of groups involved in political attacks.
"We must demand to know who organises these goons! Who pays them? Who gives them the confidence to operate in full view of the public and, in some cases, in the presence of security officers? And why are citizens being left to defend themselves while those entrusted with maintaining order stand by?" she noted.
Elsewhere, earlier Sunday, the National Police Service (NPS) issued a warning to politicians and their supporters to maintain peace during political activities.
In a statement, NPS explained that 15 suspects were arrested last evening while on transit, presumably to Homa Bay.
"Acting within its mandate to maintain law and order and following intelligence-led operations, officers intercepted and arrested fifteen suspects on August 15 along the Kisumu-Kericho Road," the statement read.
According to NPS, the suspects were found in possession of various crude weapons; they were taken into custody pending court arraignment.
"Preliminary investigations indicate that they are hired criminals who allegedly planned to disrupt political activities in the area," the statement added.
NPS further instructed officers deployed to political gatherings to exercise restraint and adhere to the police standing orders.
"All officers deployed to political events or public gatherings are directed to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, impartiality, and restraint. They must facilitate the right to peaceful assembly while ensuring public order and safety, and remain strictly guided by the Standard Operating Procedures.
"Any individual found to be facilitating violence, disorder, or unlawful activity will be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law, without exception," the statement further read.
