Kisii on the edge: lawlessness, goons and the dark battle for succession

Kisii is facing a tense political climate ahead of the 2027 elections, with allegations of violence, intimidation, and organized goon activity casting a shadow over the region's normally lively electoral contests. In recent months, incidents of political unrest have emerged, including the June assault on Ichuni Ward MCA Wycliffe Siocha in Kisii town and a deadly confrontation during a visit by former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, resulting in multiple casualties.

These events have fueled concerns that the competition for political power in Kisii could escalate into outright violence. Police are investigating the Siocha attack to determine if it was politically motivated, but no arrests have been made so far. Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Matiang’i has condemned the violence and warned against intimidation and lawlessness in a democratic society, alleging the presence of a funded militia targeting political opponents in Kisii and other parts of the country.

Meanwhile, Governor Simba Arati's administration has been dealing with accusations against the youth group dubbed the "Green Army", which has been accused of mobilizing youths for violent purposes. The Green Army controversy has added another layer to the political narrative, with rival camps blaming each other for inciting violence.

As the political realignment intensifies, with Governor Arati and rival candidates Ezekiel Machogu and Matiang’i vying for influence in Kisii, concerns have grown that the elections may not be a peaceful contest. Ordinary residents are growing weary of being caught in the crossfire, with traders, market vendors, and boda boda riders all expressing frustration over the disruption caused by political skirmishes.

For Matiang’i, the situation in Kisii serves as a warning of a broader danger to Kenya, suggesting that organized political violence could pose a threat to the country's democratic institutions.