The United Alternative Government has condemned what it described as a growing trend of political violence in the country and called for independent investigations into incidents reported over the weekend in Kisumu and Nyahururu.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the opposition coalition said the reported incidents should concern all Kenyans regardless of political affiliation, warning that political intolerance could undermine constitutional democracy, national cohesion and the rule of law.
The opposition said the circumstances surrounding the reported incidents should be established through prompt, impartial and transparent investigations, adding that public confidence in the outcome of the inquiries was essential.
"The full facts surrounding these incidents must be independently established through prompt, impartial, and transparent investigations. However, what is already evident is that political intolerance is steadily replacing democratic engagement," the coalition said.
According to the opposition, every Kenyan has a constitutional right to assemble peacefully, associate freely, move without intimidation and participate in political activities, regardless of whether they support the government or the opposition.
The coalition said no citizen should have reason to fear attending a church service, political meeting or any other lawful public gathering because of reported insecurity or violence.
It urged the National Police Service to discharge its constitutional mandate impartially by preventing violence, investigating reported criminal acts and ensuring that anyone found responsible through due process is held accountable under the law.
The coalition also appealed to political leaders across the political divide to exercise restraint and avoid actions or statements that it said could heighten tensions.
It cautioned against the normalisation of violence or retaliation as a means of resolving political differences, saying such a trend would ultimately harm ordinary citizens more than political leaders.
According to the statement, traders, boda boda operators, families and young people often bear the greatest burden whenever political violence occurs, through the destruction of property, loss of livelihoods and insecurity.
The coalition further urged Kenyans not to allow themselves to be drawn into violence or criminal activities for political interests, encouraging citizens to resolve differences through lawful and democratic institutions.
It also called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to ensure professionalism and impartiality as it prepares to oversee the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, saying credible electoral processes are essential to maintaining public confidence.
The coalition said public institutions have a responsibility to assure all Kenyans that lawful political gatherings will receive equal protection under the law, regardless of political affiliation.
It maintained that Kenya's democratic gains should be safeguarded through constitutionalism, justice and adherence to the rule of law rather than intimidation or violence.
"Our answer to violence must never be more violence. Our answer must be justice, constitutionalism and rule of law," the coalition said.
