Human rights groups and three individuals have sued Kenya’s top security officials, accusing them of failing to stop organised political violence and pursue those allegedly financing attacks ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The petition, filed at the Milimani Law Courts, seeks to compel security agencies to investigate attacks targeting political, civic and religious gatherings, identify the alleged organisers and recruiters, and forward evidence to prosecutors for possible criminal charges.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), Katiba Institute and the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) filed the case alongside Kwamchetsi Makokha, Mary Kambo and Elphas Osoro, who are also identified as victims of political violence.
The respondents are the Director-General of the National Intelligence Service, the Inspector-General of Police, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, and the Attorney-General. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) are named as interested parties.
The petitioners argue that repeated attacks on public gatherings have continued despite warnings from senior government leaders, accusing authorities of failing to intervene promptly, conduct effective investigations and secure prosecutions.
They are seeking a court order requiring the establishment of a dedicated multi-agency task force to investigate the attacks, trace recruitment and financing networks, preserve evidence and coordinate action against those found responsible.
According to the petition, the proposed task force would bring together the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, working with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The petitioners want the agencies to submit progress reports to the court, including details of investigations and files forwarded for possible prosecution.
The case cites a series of incidents dating back to early 2025, involving alleged attacks on press conferences, civic forums, religious services and political gatherings in Nairobi, Gilgil, Kitengela, Kisumu, Meru, Ol Kalou, Kisii and Homa Bay.
Among the incidents highlighted is the July 6, 2025 attack on KHRC offices in Nairobi, where armed assailants allegedly disrupted a media briefing by mothers of victims of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. The organisation says journalists and members of the public were assaulted or intimidated and electronic equipment was stolen.
KHRC says it provided police with security footage and lodged a formal complaint, but alleges that no one had been arrested or prosecuted in connection with the incident when the petition was prepared.
The petition also cites violence at a public forum at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi on June 12, 2026, and attacks in Homa Bay on August 16, 2026, where the petitioners say people were killed, vehicles torched and journalists attacked.
The rights groups argue that the incidents point to recurring, organised violence rather than isolated disruptions. They cite investigative reports on alleged payments to recruit young people to disrupt political activities and want authorities to investigate those suspected of financing or coordinating the attacks.
The case raises concerns about the protection of constitutional freedoms as political activity intensifies ahead of the next election.
Article 38 of the Constitution guarantees political rights, including the right to participate in political activities, while Article 37 protects the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions peacefully and unarmed.
The petitioners contend that these rights cannot be exercised freely when people face intimidation or violence while attending rallies, civic meetings, religious services and press conferences.
They are asking the High Court to declare that organised political violence, together with the alleged failure to prevent and investigate it, violates constitutional rights.
Beyond investigations, the petition seeks a coordinated national framework for preventing and responding to politically motivated violence, adequate police protection for lawful public gatherings and regular court-supervised updates on investigations and prosecutions.
The petitioners also want the government to account for a crackdown on organisers and financiers of political violence that was announced in December 2025.
The case follows wider concerns over attacks on civil society and opposition gatherings. In a September 2026 report, Human Rights Watch called for prompt and transparent investigations into attacks ahead of the 2027 elections, reporting that unidentified armed groups had targeted civil society events and opposition political gatherings.
The latest petition seeks to make accountability and prevention a matter for judicial oversight, with the petitioners warning that continued violence could undermine political participation and the prospects of a free, fair and peaceful election.
