Kenya’s opposition coalition, the United Alternative Government has called for independent investigations into the violence that occurred in Kisumu and Nyahururu counties where at least one person died and several others injured.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, an 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.
The coalition also appealed to leaders across the political divide to exercise restraint and avoid actions or statements that 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.
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.
MG/as/APA