Women Raise Alarm Over Rising Political Violence Ahead of Kenya’s 2027 Elections
Posted by EDITORIAL
Women leaders and peace actors raise alarm over political violence against women, calling for urgent action to safeguard participation ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Elections.
In Summary:
Women leaders, political aspirants and peace actors across Kenya have raised alarm over increasing incidents of political violence, intimidation and gender-based harassment targeting women, warning that the trend threatens their participation in the 2027 General Elections. They are calling on political leaders, security agencies and electoral institutions to take urgent action to protect women and ensure safe, peaceful and inclusive political participation.
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Women leaders, aspirants and peace actors from across Kenya have called for urgent measures to end political violence against women, warning that intimidation, harassment and physical attacks are undermining democratic participation ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
In a joint statement issued alongside the Democracy Trust Fund (DTF) and Echo Network Africa Foundation (ENAF), the groups expressed concern over reported incidents of violence and intimidation in Kisii, Kisumu, Baringo, Meru and Nairobi counties, targeting women engaging in political activities.
The groups cited several reported incidents, including attacks and public humiliation of women political aspirants, as evidence of the growing challenges facing women seeking elective leadership. They warned that allowing such incidents to continue could discourage women from participating in political processes and weaken Kenya's commitment to inclusive democracy.
Citing findings by FIDA Kenya from the 2022 electoral period, the statement noted that 1,746 cases of election-related sexual and gender-based violence were documented across the country's 47 counties. Verbal abuse and hate speech accounted for 54 per cent of reported cases, while cyberbullying represented 23 per cent.
The organisations called on political leaders, aspirants and their supporters to reject violence, hate speech and discriminatory rhetoric, while urging relevant institutions to strengthen prevention, accountability and protection mechanisms for women in politics.
They further urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), political parties and other relevant agencies to ensure that electoral reforms ahead of 2027 safeguard political rights and provide accessible mechanisms for addressing complaints and electoral violations.
The statement also raised concerns about the high cost of political campaigns, arguing that financial barriers disproportionately disadvantage women, young people and other underrepresented candidates.
The groups reaffirmed their commitment to civic and electoral education, mentorship, peacebuilding and policy engagement, insisting that political competition should be determined by ideas and democratic choice rather than intimidation or physical confrontation.
They emphasised that protecting women in politics is a shared national responsibility and a critical requirement for credible, peaceful and inclusive elections in 2027.
