Deal firmly with those behind political chaos

Cases of political thuggery are likely to increase as we come closer to the general election. [Kibata Kihu, Standard]

Political intolerance has reared its ugly head once again. Deputy President William Ruto's weekend tour of Kieni in Nyeri County is said to have been preceded by chaos.

A car belonging to a Nakuru East MP David Gikaria, a Ruto ally, was reportedly pelted with stones in Narumoro while allies of Kieni MP Kanini Kega were ejected from the church where the DP was expected.

These, of course, are not major incidents. Nevertheless, those behind them must be dealt with firmly to send a strong message that there is no room at all for political bad manners especially as we head to 2022.

As we have pointed here before, the freedoms of movement and association are enshrined in our Constitution. Everyone, including politicians, have a right to visit any part of our great country - as long as Covid-19 containment measures are observed.

Yet, these rights have come under attack on several occasions - and failure by police to punish the culprits seems to be emboldening the lawbreakers. In April this year, for instance, youths blocked Kanu Chairman Gideon Moi from attending a planned meeting with Talai elders in Nandi County.

In October last year, two people, one of them a minor, were killed when hired goons sought to scuttle a church meeting that was to be attended by the DP.

Such cases of political thuggery are likely to increase as we come closer to the general election. That must not be allowed to happen. Failing to take action against those behind such incidents is to set the ground for chaos. It is encouraging impunity.

Anyone who incites Kenyans or unleashes terror on innocent Kenyans in the name of politics must be dealt with firmly regardless of their political affiliation or station in life.

The wounds inflicted on Kenyans by the last general elections are yet to heal. Politicians must not reopen them.