David Maraga Githu Muigai Lead New People's Forum Kenya Electoral Preparedness

• Former Chief Justice David Maraga, former Attorney General Githu Muigai, and Suba South MP Caroli Omondi will coordinate the People's Forum for Electoral Preparedness.
• The forum aims to promote electoral preparedness and prevent violence ahead of the 2027 general election.
• Recent incidents of political violence in Kenya have raised concerns about the conduct of security agencies and the need for independent investigations.

In the lead-up to the 2027 general election, a new initiative is emerging to promote electoral preparedness and prevent violence. The People's Forum for Electoral Preparedness, set to launch on October 9, 2026, will be coordinated by former Chief Justice David Maraga, former Attorney General Githu Muigai, and Suba South MP Caroli Omondi. This move comes amid growing concerns about the escalating pattern of political violence in Kenya, with reported incidents involving prominent politicians and their supporters. The forum's organisers have expressed alarm at the conduct of security agencies, questioning how armed groups can operate openly while attacking leaders, journalists, civilians, and police officers.

Recent incidents in Rongai, Nakuru County, Mulot in Bomet County, Homa Bay, and Keumbu, Kisii County, have highlighted the need for urgent action to prevent electoral violence. The organisers of the People's Forum point out that these incidents require independent investigations, citing claims of police presence or operational reach during some attacks. They also raise concerns about the neutrality of security agencies, questioning how groups can mobilise and move openly while attacking political leaders, journalists, civilians, and police officers.

The organisers of the People's Forum are calling on various stakeholders, including religious leaders, civil society organisations, lawyers, professional bodies, journalists, youth organisations, and the diplomatic community, to join efforts to protect Kenya's democratic space. They also urge the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to work with relevant institutions to ensure that Kenyans can campaign and vote freely. The forum's organisers believe that the 2027 election must be based on ideas rather than intimidation, a contest of ballots rather than bullets, and a contest of democracy rather than violence.

Lawyers should watch for the potential impact of this new forum on the conduct of the 2027 general election, particularly with regards to electoral violence and intimidation. Compliance officers may also need to advise clients on how to navigate any changes in the electoral landscape.

Source: Original reporting via AllAfrica Kenya