Kitwek Nairobi Forum Warns Against ‘Rerun of 2007’ Ahead of 2027 Elections

By Maurice Momanyi

The Kitwek Nairobi Forum has raised alarm over what it describes as the resurgence of divisive and inflammatory political rhetoric ahead of the 2027 General Election, warning that Kenya risks repeating the violence that followed the disputed 2007 polls.
In a strongly worded press statement, the forum said political leaders were “choreographing” rhetoric similar to that which preceded the 2007 post-election violence, and urged both leaders and citizens to reject messages capable of deepening ethnic tensions.
The forum particularly condemned claims circulating at political rallies about the existence of organised “Nandi warriors” allegedly prepared to defend or attack political interests.
It dismissed the claims as false and dangerous, saying there was no organised group by that name and warning that such narratives could fuel fear, suspicion and ethnic tension.

According to the forum, similar allegations and ethnic stereotypes were used in the period leading to the 2007 General Election, resulting in profiling, displacement and violence that left communities with lasting social and economic scars.
The forum also criticised remarks attributed to DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua regarding possible electoral malpractice in the 2027 election.
Gachagua was quoted in the statement as warning that electoral malpractice by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) could trigger chaos so severe that the 2007 post-election violence would appear like a “Christmas party.”
The forum described the remarks as irresponsible and dangerous, arguing that invoking the horrors of 2007 as a political threat could psychologically prepare citizens to reject electoral results and resort to violence.
It called on political leaders to commit themselves to peaceful and lawful elections, saying electoral disputes should be resolved through established institutions, transparent processes and the courts rather than threats of violence.
The organisation further raised concern over what it termed the profiling of Mount Kenya leaders supporting the current administration as “traitors” and “enemies of Mount Kenya.”
It said such language mirrored the ethnic divisions witnessed in 2007, when communities and political leaders were allegedly branded outsiders or traitors, creating conditions for their targeting during the ensuing violence.
The forum also criticised what it termed political protection of individuals accused of making inflammatory statements, citing the recent arrest of Hon. Gakuchia.
It said while security agencies should investigate statements that could threaten public peace, such processes should be allowed to proceed independently and without political interference. The forum particularly criticised political leaders who had spoken against Gakuchia’s arrest, accusing them of putting political alliances ahead of national security.
The forum urged Kenyans across ethnic and regional lines to reject politicians who portray members of other communities as enemies and instead focus on shared challenges such as the cost of living, taxation, unemployment and crime.
It also appealed to citizens not to amplify inflammatory political content on social media and urged them to reject leaders who promote hatred and division.
The organisation called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate what it described as the fabrication of the “Nandi warriors” narrative, question former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka over statements it believes could undermine investigations, and fast-track cases involving political figures allegedly flagged by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) for incitement.
The forum also called on the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) to introduce stronger safeguards for live political broadcasts.
Among its proposals are mandatory seven-to-10-second delays on live political broadcasts, sanctions against media houses that air unfiltered ethnic slurs and inflammatory claims, and the establishment of a 24-hour monitoring unit in partnership with the Communications Authority.
It further urged media organisations to hold talk-show hosts and anchors accountable for failing to challenge or cut off politicians who make inflammatory or unverified claims on air.
The forum urged Kenyans to learn from the 2007–2008 violence and reject politics based on fear, ethnic stereotypes and inflammatory rhetoric, saying national peace and unity should take precedence over political ambitions.