Former nominated Kericho County Member of the County Assembly (MCA) Geoffrey Bii, an advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities in the county, has called on the government to take firm measures to curb political goonism, warning that violence during campaign periods could expose persons with disabilities to harm and discourage them from exercising their democratic rights.

In an interview with KNA, Bii said the use of goons during political campaigns could instill fear among persons with disabilities, discouraging them from attending political rallies where they would have an opportunity to listen to candidates, understand their manifestos, and make informed decisions ahead of the elections.

“The disabled persons are the ones that suffer the most when chaos erupts; a physically challenged person cannot walk in the event of disruptions, the same as those who are visually impaired. The disabled need to exercise their democratic rights in deciding who to choose to represent their agenda in government and cannot if campaign rallies are chaotic.” said Bii.

He said some political aspirants, in their quest for public attention and popularity, resort to using goons to gain prominence instead of peacefully selling their agendas to the electorate.

The former nominated Kericho MCA, who is physically challenged, said such intimidation undermines their right to participate in political processes as guaranteed by the Constitution of Kenya, the Persons with Disabilities Act 2025, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, urging political aspirants to ensure that persons with disabilities can exercise their democratic rights in a safe and inclusive environment.

Bii further urged the government to address political goonism beyond the campaign and election period, warning that those recruited to perpetrate violence could turn to criminal activities after elections, creating further security challenges to communities.

He implored the aspiring candidates to avoid anything that could provoke conflict but exercise decorum and sell their development agenda to the electorate during the electioneering period rather than inciting their supporters to violence.

By Sarah Njagi