DPP Ingonga cites lack of evidence as key challenge to tame goonism

The commitment was made during the High-Level National Election Security Roundtable Consultative Forum in Nairobi on Wednesday, where key institutions involved in election management, security and prosecution raised concerns over rising political tensions and incidents of violence.

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga urged investigating agencies to provide sufficient evidence to enable the prosecution of politicians and individuals involved in sponsoring political violence.

"Bring the evidence. We cannot prosecute without evidence," Ingonga stated.

The DPP said the country must confront politicians behind groups involved in political violence, arguing that many of those recruited to cause chaos do not fully understand why they have been deployed.

"We must, as investigating agencies, deal with the gooners. Those who are involved in goonism do not even know why they are doing it. They have just been told to do what they are doing," Ingonga stated.

He warned that arrests alone may not always result in successful prosecutions without sufficient evidence linking those responsible to acts of violence.

"What we lack is evidence. At times, arrests may not help so much," Ingonga stated.

The forum brought together government agencies led by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to assess the country's political climate and develop a security roadmap ahead of the August 10, 2027, General Election.

The institutions warned politicians against sponsoring violence or inciting their supporters, cautioning that the country should not be taken back to the 2007/2008 post-election violence.

Court of Appeal Judge Daniel Musinga recalled his experience during the height of the 2007/2008 post-election violence, warning that the country was beginning to witness some of the same warning signs.

"I was moving from Nakuru to Kisii in 2007. As we were driving out of Nakuru, I saw farms on fire. Getting to Chebilat, I saw a petrol station on fire. Looking on the other side, I saw communities with bows and arrows, while others were looting. I asked myself, where am I going?" Musinga stated.

The judge urged politicians and their supporters to remember that Kenyans must continue living together after elections.

"After the political dust has settled, we remain Kenyans. We don't want a repeat of what happened in 2007/8," Musinga stated.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja similarly warned political leaders against actions that could destabilise the country.

"This country is very important. We must remember we only have Kenya. We don't have Kenya A and B where we destroy Kenya A and run to Kenya B," Kanja stated.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon also revisited recent claims by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua alleging that the 2027 election could be rigged, describing such remarks as reckless and capable of undermining confidence in the electoral process.

"Those trying to play games that IEBC can be compromised, this idea that the election will not be free and fair, will reduce our credibility. As we move towards 2027, we must move away from these narratives," Ethekon stated.

"We shall call out anybody trying to undermine the institution of IEBC without any justifiable evidence," he added.

National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) Chairperson Dr Kepha Omae said the commission had stepped up its monitoring of political rallies and online platforms to identify leaders involved in incitement.

"We have moved with speed to make sure that as soon as we receive any information, sentiments or a clip that shows leaders inciting people, we go for them. We will not spare you," Omae stated.

He added that the commission was monitoring political rallies as well as content circulated through WhatsApp and TikTok.

The forum also warned that politicians found inciting violence or sponsoring criminal gangs could face consequences, including being blocked from contesting elective positions.