Former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo addressing media on July 13, 2026/ HANDOUT
Former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo has called for authorities to hold accountable those she alleges organise and finance politically motivated violence.
In a statement on Monday, Odhiambo said Kenya should focus on prosecuting the alleged financiers of criminal gangs rather than only arresting those who carry out attacks.
Odhiambo said the country was facing what she described as an ‘organised system of political violence’ and urged authorities to dismantle what she termed the "market" sustaining criminal gangs.
"Kenya is not dealing with random criminals. I refuse to join such a chorus," she said.
Odhiambo alleged that there exists "a procurement system of violence" in which "well-known politicians" are the buyers while unemployed Kenyans become the commodity.
She further claimed that criminal gangs had been allowed to thrive because those allegedly financing or organising them had not been brought to justice.
"The goons and criminal gangs have been allowed to run a parallel economy with well-known buyers and sellers; until we prosecute the buyers, the market remains open," she said.
Odhiambo did not identify the politicians or other individuals she alleged were behind the financing or organisation of criminal gangs, and no evidence was provided in the statement to support the allegations.
She said civil society organisations would continue speaking out against intimidation and coercion, describing such actions as contrary to the Constitution.
"We will not fall under the pressure of such coercion and intimidation. We will call out these ills for what they are; outright defiance against our Constitution," she said.
Odhiambo also expressed solidarity with The Institute for Social Accountability, its Executive Director Diana Gichengo and other civil society organisations.
Her remarks came as a coalition of civil society organisations issued a statement expressing concern over what it described as increasing pressure on civic organisations and human rights defenders.
The organisations urged authorities to protect civic space, uphold constitutional rights and ensure accountability for incidents affecting activists and organisations engaged in public interest work.
They also pledged to continue advocating for constitutionalism, accountability and the protection of civic freedoms, saying democratic participation depends on citizens being able to organise and express themselves without fear.
The coalition called on relevant state institutions to uphold the rule of law and ensure that anyone responsible for unlawful acts is investigated and, where appropriate, prosecuted through the legal process.
The remarks come amid renewed government concern over the alleged use of criminal gangs during political activities.
On June 25, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government had intelligence suggesting that some political leaders were planning to exploit demonstrations by mobilising criminal gangs to terrorise peaceful protesters.
He vowed to crack down on anyone found to be organising or financing such activities in accordance with the law.
On Sunday, Murkomen again urged political leaders to reject goonism and called on religious leaders to continue promoting peaceful dialogue, discouraging incitement and helping steer the country towards peace and unity.
He said Kenya's future should take precedence over divisive politics.
