Nakuru widows urge tighter security ahead of 2027 General Election
The women said repeated incidents of armed attacks and threats by knife-wielding gangs had heightened anxiety among residents in parts of Nakuru.
Nakuru widows are urging security agencies to enhance security measures ahead of the 2027 General Election, expressing concern that fear of violence could deter residents from casting their votes. The women reported an increase in armed attacks and threats from knife-wielding gangs, leading to heightened anxiety in certain parts of Nakuru.
During an empowerment program, one widow accused politicians of funding criminal gangs to disrupt opponents’ meetings and shield their members from arrest, alleging that political goonism had turned violence into an income-generating activity for some youths. She stated that residents are determined to vote but fear a repetition of the violence witnessed during the 2022 General Election.
Another widow emphasized the need for security agencies to increase patrols, secure roads, and ensure polling stations are well-protected before, during, and after the elections. The widows urged politicians to discourage their supporters from engaging in violence and for authorities to assess potential hotspots and deploy security personnel proactively.
Bishop Sammy Gitonga, seeking the Nakuru Town East parliamentary seat, highlighted that women, particularly widows and single-parent households, are among the most affected groups during periods of insecurity and pledged to work with them to support their economic empowerment and improve livelihoods. He also called for security agencies and local administrators to deploy personnel where necessary and cautioned residents against spreading unverified information that could heighten tensions.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
