Former Chief Justice David Maraga has warned that Kenya risks descending into lawlessness if the country fails to confront the growing wave of political violence, commonly referred to as "goonism," ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking outside Muthangari police station during a press conference organised by civic actors, human rights defenders and civil society organisations, Maraga condemned the escalating attacks on the Trust for Indigenous Culture and Health (TISA) and activists , saying Kenya's democratic space is rapidly shrinking.
He said the recent violence witnessed in different parts of the country should serve as a warning to Kenyans.
"We are slowly descending to the state of Haiti. Haiti started like this. If you get government engaging goons to disrupt legal proceedings, including church worship proceedings, what are you telling the country?" Maraga asked.
He urged Kenyans to reject political violence and defend constitutional freedoms.
"I want to appeal to all Kenyans that we stand up and say no to what is happening. If we don't do that, we are slowly descending to the state of Haiti and we cannot afford to have that."
The former Chief Justice said the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and public participation, but alleged that those rights are increasingly under attack.
"The government does not want to be held accountable. The government does not want to be questioned in whatever they are doing. We cannot have that."
His remarks come a day after violent clashes outside ACK St Stephen's Cathedral in Kisumu, where Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna had joined Christians for worship. Police said one person was killed and 14 suspects arrested following the unrest.
In Nyahururu, police arrested six suspects after armed groups allegedly disrupted a political event organised by the Linda Mwananchi movement by throwing stones at worshippers attending a church service at AIPCA Nyahururu Cathedral, injuring several people.
The incidents have intensified concerns over the rise of "goonism"—a term widely used in Kenya to describe organised gangs allegedly hired or mobilised to intimidate political opponents, disrupt public meetings and silence critics through violence.
Maraga also cited previous attacks, including an incident in Kisii where he said his convoy was stoned.
"You saw what happened in Kisumu yesterday... You saw what happened in Nyahururu. Two weeks ago we were stoned in Keumbu. I escaped injuries and my car was smashed."
With the 2027 General Election less than a year away, political observers and civil society groups have warned that continued incidents of violence and intimidation could heighten political tensions if those responsible are not held accountable.
Maraga urged all Kenyans to defend the country's democratic institutions before the situation deteriorates further.
"We
must all defend our civic space which is narrowing and say no to the acts of goonism...
Nobody will be spared when this country fails."
