Ban candidates using goons from 2027 polls, DCP tells IEBC

 Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) national chairman David Parseina has urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to bar individuals promoting political goonism from vying in 2027.

He said these people are not fit to hold any public offices in the country.

“A lot of goons are being used by some politicians to target their political opponents across the country as earlier witnessed in Keumbu in Kisii county during the Linda Mwananchi political rally, during United Opposition’s political rally in Kikuyu, and generally during by-election campaigns in Ol Kalou constituency.  There was also an attack on Linda Mwananchi leaders at a church in Kisumu last weekend,” Parseina said.

He spoke to the Star in Kitengela, Kajiado county on Wednesday.

”Why should the electoral body wait for the general elections to punish such individuals? What happened to the Integrity Act, Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010?” Parseina asked.

Political goonism refers to the use of hired youth, gangs, or “goons” to intimidate opponents, disrupt rallies, rig votes, or cause violence during politics.

It involves disrupting opposition rallies, chasing away speakers, destroying podiums and banners.

There are also elements of voter bribery and coercion.

On the Ol Kalou by-election scheduled for July 16, Parseina said political goonism was glorified by some politicians against the constitutional provisions.

He cited Article 81 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 which highlights general principles for the electoral system; Freedom of citizens to exercise their political rights under Article 38, not more than two – thirds of the members of elective public bodies shall be of the same gender, fair representation of persons with disabilities, universal suffrage based on the aspiration for fair representation and equality of the vote, as well as free and fair elections.

“These constitutional principles are not optional, they form the foundation upon which the legitimacy of every election rests,” Parseina said.

He claimed there was improper influence by the government issuing gas cylinders and connecting electricity in Ol Kalou constituency ahead of the by-election.

“Why are these actions by the government not happening in other constituencies? The IEBC should have disqualified the UDA candidate on basis of ‘improper’ influence by the government,” Parseina said.

Parseina said the by-election was a litmus test to IEBC on whether it could be trusted by millions of Kenyans to conduct the 2027 general elections.

He, however, urged the Ol Kalou electorate to turn up in numbers and exercise their Constitutional right of casting their votes to a candidate of their choice in the by-election.

“I urge them to remain peaceful. Wake up early on July 16, go to the polling stations and vote peacefully. I also urge the Inspector General of Police to ensure that security is provided to the people of Ol Kalou and indeed all Kenyans,” Parseina said.