Three human rights organisations and three individuals have filed a petition against Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director-General Noordin Haji and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, accusing security agencies of failing to address organised political violence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The petition, filed on Wednesday, October 28, raises concerns over repeated attacks on political meetings, civic forums, religious gatherings and other public events.
The petitioners argue that authorities have failed to prevent the incidents despite receiving warnings and have not taken sufficient action to investigate the attacks and prosecute those responsible.
The case was brought by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), Katiba Institute and the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), alongside three individuals identified as victims of political violence.
According to the court papers, the incidents have been reported in various parts of the country since early 2025, including Nairobi, Kisumu, Meru, Kisii, Homa Bay, Gilgil, Kitengela and Ol Kalou.
The petitioners want the court to intervene, arguing that the continued attacks raise questions about the ability of security agencies to protect citizens and guarantee the right to assemble and participate in political activities without fear of violence.
One of the incidents highlighted in the petition is the July 6, 2025, attack on KHRC offices in Nairobi. The incident occurred during a media briefing attended by mothers of victims of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.
The petitioners claim armed individuals disrupted the meeting, assaulted or intimidated journalists and members of the public, and stole electronic equipment.
They further argue that no arrests or prosecutions had followed despite the existence of security footage and a formal complaint lodged with the police.
The organisations also cited violence during a public forum held at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi on June 12, as well as an August 16 incident in Homa Bay that reportedly left people dead, vehicles torched and journalists attacked.
The petitioners have questioned what they describe as inconsistencies in the response by security agencies to incidents involving different political groups.
They allege that gatherings involving opposition leaders, civil society organisations and human rights defenders have repeatedly come under attack, while some incidents affecting events associated with the governing party have attracted quicker security intervention.
The organisations argue that the difference in responses raises concerns about whether all citizens and political groups receive equal protection under the law.
They are asking the court to address what they consider a pattern of violence that could undermine public participation in political activities as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
The petitioners have also raised concerns over reports that individuals are being paid to recruit young people to disrupt political events. They argue that such claims point to possible organised efforts to interfere with public gatherings and should be investigated.
They want security agencies to establish who is recruiting the individuals, who is financing the activities and who is coordinating the attacks.
Among the orders sought are directions requiring security agencies to investigate the reported incidents, identify those responsible for organising and financing the violence, and take appropriate legal action against those found culpable.
The petitioners are also seeking orders compelling authorities to provide adequate protection for lawful public gatherings and establish a coordinated framework to prevent political violence.
Additionally, they want the security agencies to submit regular reports to the court detailing the progress of investigations and prosecutions arising from the incidents.
The case adds to the legal challenges facing Kanja and other security officials over their handling of public order and the enforcement of court directives.
In June, a contempt application was filed accusing the Inspector General and the National Police Service of defying court orders by erecting roadblocks across Nairobi during protests marking the anniversary of the Gen Z demonstrations.
The latest petition places renewed focus on the responsibility of security agencies to protect public gatherings, investigate attacks and ensure that those responsible for political violence are held accountable ahead of the next General Election.
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