Kenya’s political leaders are fuelling tension and undermining democracy through early campaigns and disregard for the rule of law during protests.

According to the Political Parties Liaison Committee national chairman, Evans Misati, leaders should exercise restraint and respect legal frameworks, especially as the Gen Z protests, largely driven by youth frustration with governance, gain momentum across the country.

In a statement issued yesterday, PPLC said, “We are alarmed by the escalating political temperatures in the country, which are being fanned by premature campaign activities. Politicians from both the government and opposition sides have thrown the law to the wind, engaging in rallies, roadside declarations, and open calls for 2027 alignments and presidential bids a clear contravention of Section 67 of the Elections Act and Clause 6(h) of the Electoral Code of Conduct, which categorically prohibit campaigning outside the legally prescribed period,” read the statement.

According to the committee, such actions violate section 67 of the Elections Act and Clause 6(h) of the Electoral Code of Conduct, both of which prohibit campaigning outside the designated period.

The committee also expressed deep concern over the state of the Independent Elections and Boundaries Commission, which currently lacks commissioners and cannot enforce key provisions of electoral law.

“We at the PPLC remind all politicians that with leadership comes responsibility. It is not just the job of the IEBC to enforce electoral laws; it is also the duty of every political actor to respect and uphold them,” read the statement.

Without proper oversight, the PPLC warned the country risks descending into chaos as politicians operate outside constitutional limits.

“It is no secret that the IEBC, in its current state without commissioners, is severely handicapped. It lacks the quorum to enforce key provisions of the electoral framework. Politicians are taking advantage of this vacuum, and we are now witnessing a situation where the political class is governing itself without regard to constitutional and statutory boundaries,” read part of the statement.

The PPLC also warned that politicians who continue flouting laws, inciting unrest, or sponsoring violence could face sanctions, including disqualification from the 2027 General elections.

“Politicians must lead by example, not provoke tension or incite unrest. Continuing on this path of impunity and incitement only weakens the very institutions we rely on to maintain order and democracy,” read the statement.

“Politicians found engaging in such behaviour, including sponsoring violence or hiring goons, risk being sanctioned and may not be cleared to contest for elective positions in the 2027 General Elections,” PPLC warned 

The committee also acknowledged the recent surge in youth-led protests as a justified expression of anger over poor governance, corruption, and social inequality.

 “The inconsideration, arrogance, and corruption that now characterize our political environment are among the very reasons why many young people feel betrayed and disillusioned by the political class. They see leaders who mock the law, hoard resources, and care little for public suffering. As a result, the youth have taken to the streets to demand a better, more accountable government. Their calls for change are legitimate and arise from long-standing frustration with governance failures,” read the statement.

While affirming the legitimacy of the protests, the PPLC condemned any form of violence during demonstrations, particularly the reported use of force by police and deployment of state-sponsored goons to disrupt protests.

“We are equally concerned by the violent turn these otherwise peaceful protests have taken, especially when state actors—the police and even goons reportedly sponsored by public officers- are used to disrupt, injure, or intimidate citizens. This is not only unacceptable; it is unlawful,” read the statement.

The committee reminded the security agencies of their legal obligations, citing Article 37 of the constitution, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and Article 33, which protects freedom of expression.

“We take this opportunity to remind all state security agencies, especially the National Police Service, of their obligations under the law. Article 37 of the Constitution guarantees the right of every Kenyan to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions to public authorities—peacefully and unarmed. Further, Article 33(1) affirms every person’s right to freedom of expression, subject only to the limitations set out in the Constitution,” read part of the statement.”

“The National Police Service Act reinforces this responsibility. Section 24(e) of the Act requires the police to protect life, uphold the law, and preserve peace. Additionally, Section 61(1)– (5) strictly limits the use of force by police officers, requiring that it be a last resort, proportional, and subject to immediate accountability. Section 61(5) specifically prohibits the use of firearms except in cases of grave and imminent threat,” read another part.

With demonstrations planned for June 25th, the PPLC appealed for calm and urged both citizens and leaders to avoid confrontations.

“As we approach June 25, 2025, a day anticipated to be marked by widespread public expression, we implore all citizens, political leaders, security officers, and public institutions 3 to uphold peace, dignity, and constitutionalism. Let us not allow ourselves to spiral into chaos and confrontation,” read the statement.

It also urged the government to listen to its people’s voices with humility since they are a national outcry and not just protests.

“We urge the government to listen—truly listen—to the voice of the people. These are not just protests; they are a national outcry. They must not be met with arrogance or indifference but with understanding, reform, and humility,” read part of the statement.