The two opposition formations spoke in Nairobi on Wednesday, August 19, during a joint press briefing where they condemned reported attacks targeting opposition leaders, journalists and ordinary citizens in different parts of the country.
The groups alleged that the incidents were not isolated, describing them as part of what they called a “deliberate and organised pattern” taking root ahead of the 2027 polls.
“We condemned, in the strongest terms, the recent attacks on opposition leaders, journalists and ordinary citizens in different parts of Kenya,” the groups said.
“This is not by accident. It is a deliberate and organised pattern taking root ahead of the 2027 General Election, and we will not look away from it.”
The allegations come amid wider concerns over political violence as Kenya moves towards the 2027 General Election.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has separately raised concerns over political intolerance, violence, intimidation and the alleged use of organised criminal groups in political activities. The commission has called on security and other state agencies to take action.
Recent reports have also highlighted violence and disruptions linked to political activities in different parts of the country, adding to calls for stronger measures to protect political participation.
United Opposition Demands Probe Into Political Violence
The United Alternative Government and Linda Mwananchi Movement called for independent investigations into every reported case of political violence and intimidation.
The groups demanded that the investigations be conducted promptly and transparently, with anyone found responsible held accountable.
“We demand prompt, independent and transparent investigations into every reported incident, and full accountability for those responsible,” they said.
They also warned against creating an environment where Kenyans are afraid to express their political views or participate in political activities.
“No one should be above the law, and no Kenyan should be made to feel unsafe for holding a political opinion,” the groups said.
The opposition formations called on Kenyans to remain alert and urged religious leaders, civil society organisations, the media and the international community to speak out against political violence.
“We call upon Kenyans, religious leaders, civil society, the media and the international community to remain alert and to stand firmly against violence, intimidation and any attempt to steal our democratic freedoms,” they said.
IEBC, Security Agencies Told to Act Impartially
The two groups also turned their attention to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), security agencies and other constitutional institutions.
They called on the institutions to discharge their mandates independently and without political interference.
“The IEBC, our security agencies and other constitutional institutions must do their work impartially and without fear or favour, so that Kenya stays on the path to a free, fair and peaceful election,” they said.
The call comes as other political leaders and organisations have also been urging institutions to protect political freedoms and ensure peaceful participation ahead of the 2027 polls.
People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, speaking during a United Opposition briefing on Wednesday, similarly called for a 2027 election based on ideas and ballots rather than intimidation and violence.
United Opposition Announces People's Forum for Electoral Preparedness
The opposition groups also announced plans to establish a People's Forum for Electoral Preparedness as part of their efforts to promote electoral integrity ahead of 2027.
According to the coalition, the forum will bring together stakeholders to champion electoral accountability and preparedness.
“To safeguard this democracy, our growing coalition will establish a People's Forum for Electoral Preparedness, bringing together stakeholders to champion electoral integrity and accountability ahead of 2027,” they said.
The announcement places electoral preparedness at the centre of the coalition's activities as political parties and movements intensify their focus on the next General Election.
The groups said the proposed forum would provide a platform through which stakeholders could push for greater accountability and protection of democratic freedoms.
‘2027 Must Be Decided by Ideas’
The United Alternative Government and Linda Mwananchi Movement maintained that their political engagement would remain peaceful and democratic.
They rejected violence and intimidation as tools of political competition, insisting that voters should determine the country's political future through the ballot.
“The United Alternative Government and Linda Mwananchi Movement remain committed to peaceful, democratic engagement,” they said.
The groups ended their statement with a direct appeal for a political contest based on policies and ideas rather than fear.
“2027 must be decided by ideas, by policies, by the ballot, and by the sovereign will of the people, not by violence, not by intimidation, not by fear.”
The opposition's warning comes at a time when concerns about political violence are increasingly featuring in Kenya's national conversation ahead of the 2027 General Election, with human rights groups and political leaders calling for early action to prevent intimidation and violence from undermining democratic participation.
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