President William Ruto has assured Kenyans that the 2027 General Election will be peaceful, saying his administration is committed to safeguarding stability before, during and after the polls.
Speaking in Busia County on Sunday, the President sought to ease concerns over rising political tensions and recent incidents involving suspected goons disrupting political events.
“Irrespective of who we are, our persuasion, our political leaning, whatever it is that we believe in, we must have a peaceful nation. I want to assure you as the people of Kenya that we will have peaceful elections next year,” Ruto said.
The President emphasized that elections are a normal democratic exercise and should never become a reason for violence or destruction.
He said political competition should be conducted peacefully, noting that leaders and supporters must uphold national unity regardless of their political affiliations.
Referring to the 2024 Gen Z protests, Ruto said the government’s restraint during the demonstrations may have allowed criminal elements to infiltrate the protests, resulting in the emergence of organized gangs.
“We were lenient with those who were demonstrating, causing chaos, looting and burning property because we said they are our children. But we’ve seen how damaging that is. They have now graduated from protesters to goons. We have vowed to deal with all goons,” he said.
The President pledged that the government would firmly confront criminal gangs while ensuring that all political players are free to campaign without intimidation or disruption.
He reiterated that his administration remains committed to maintaining law and order throughout the election period and protecting every Kenyan’s right to participate in peaceful political activities.
Ruto’s remarks come amid heightened political temperatures following recent incidents of violence during the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, where suspected goons disrupted voting and attacked residents, journalists and political supporters.
