Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi Speaking at the Redeemed Gospel Church in Kithimani on August 17, 2026. Photo Courtesy. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi has called for an end to rising cases of political goonism in the country, warning that Kenya risks following the path of countries that have experienced devastating violence.
Speaking at the Redeemed Gospel Church in Kithimani on Sunday, where he joined Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and other leaders, Mwangangi said political violence and intolerance were increasingly becoming a threat to the country’s peace and stability.
Mwangangi cited several incidents in Machakos County where groups of people allegedly attempted to disrupt political gatherings and assaulted individuals for expressing their views.
He recalled an incident three weeks ago during a county-related project where an individual was allegedly seriously beaten after attempting to voice his views about the project.
According to Mwangangi, the situation would have escalated further were it not for the intervention of Governor Wavinya Ndeti, who was not present at the function but was alerted about the incident.
“The person to date, I don't know whether he is fully recovered. He is still under medication,” Mwangangi said.
The Deputy Governor also recalled another incident in Matuu where groups of people allegedly arrived shortly before the arrival of Kalonzo Musyoka and other leaders, reportedly with intentions of disrupting the meeting.
He said the situation was contained peacefully after women and other residents attending the gathering intervened.
Mwangangi further claimed that a similar incident occurred two weeks ago in Makutano, Ikombe Ward, while Governor Ndeti was out of the country.
He said individuals allegedly brought two buses to a nearby market in an attempt to disrupt a church function attended by political leaders.
The Deputy Governor warned that continued political violence and the use of goons could have serious consequences for Kenya, urging leaders and citizens to learn from the experiences of countries that have suffered violent conflicts.
“We need to learn from the 1984 genocide in Rwanda. Today, Somalia has not fully recovered,” he said, calling for urgent action to address political intolerance.
Mwangangi said Kenyans must reject violence and embrace dialogue, tolerance and peaceful political competition, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 General Election.
His remarks come amid growing concerns over alleged political violence and disruption of opposition rallies in different parts of the country, with leaders increasingly calling for restraint and peaceful political engagement.
