Busia County authorities call for unity and tolerance ahead of 2027 election as tensions simmer in violence-hit areas
Residents of Marachi and surrounding areas in Busia County are being urged to embrace political tolerance and peaceful coexistence as the country inches closer to the 2027 General Election. This comes in the wake of heightened security concerns and sporadic clashes that have left several people injured and communities living in fear.
During a peace and security meeting held in Marachi this week, County Commissioner Stephen Orinde and Busia County Police Commander Robinson Langat called on residents to support law enforcement agencies in their efforts to maintain order while respecting the democratic rights of all Kenyans. The meeting was organized following escalating tensions in the area, particularly involving a group associated with criminal activities.
Commissioner Orinde emphasized that the current period is politically charged, but stressed that every Kenyan has the constitutional right to support any political leader or group of their choice. However, he cautioned that this freedom comes with the responsibility to exercise restraint and avoid causing disruption during political activities.
"We know we are in a political mood right now. Everyone has their own right to say what they want to say. You either belong to this group or the other group," Orinde said during the meeting, acknowledging the heightened political temperature in the region. He, however, urged those who disagree with particular political gatherings to avoid disrupting them and instead wait for meetings organized by leaders they support.
The commissioner's statement reflects the delicate balance authorities are trying to maintain between allowing citizens to exercise their democratic rights and preventing political tensions from boiling over into violence. With the 2027 election still months away, the government appears concerned that political polarization could escalate into serious communal clashes if not properly managed.
Orinde also called on residents who do not align with a particular political faction to wait for their own leaders to organize meetings rather than attempting to disrupt opposition gatherings. He warned that failure to respect this approach could lead to confrontations that endanger both individuals and the stability of the community.
"If you belong to the other group, of the other side, you have to support. If you don't want to listen, then you have to respect the political process," Orinde said, using a mix of English and Swahili to drive home the message to the diverse audience.
However, the most pressing concern for authorities remains the activities of a group known as Jobless, which has been linked to numerous criminal incidents in the area. Police Commander Langat issued a stern warning to members and supporters of the group, describing them as a criminal gang that poses a serious threat to peace and security in Marachi and parts of Busia town.
"I want to tell you this, it is me talking and I am telling you. Jobless, it is a criminal gang," Langat declared during the meeting, making it clear that security agencies would not tolerate their continued criminal activities. He warned that members of the group had only two options: surrender and abandon criminal activities, or face arrest and prosecution.
The police commander's ultimatum was direct and left no room for negotiation. He told those associated with Jobless that security agencies were prepared to take firm action against anyone involved in violence or other criminal acts. Langat emphasized that the government was serious about restoring order in the area and would not hesitate to use the full force of the law against those perpetuating violence.
The escalating security situation in Marachi appears to be connected to a broader pattern of youth gang violence that has affected several areas in Kenya in recent years. The Jobless group, in particular, has been associated with violent clashes that have left residents traumatized and concerned about their safety.
In response to the security concerns, residents have called on authorities to intensify operations against individuals involved in violence and those obstructing government officials from carrying out their duties. The community has also appealed to security agencies to take action against anyone interfering with police officers or Kenya Power officials as they perform their work.
One resident, Faria Jele from Marachi, made an emotional appeal for peaceful coexistence among the diverse communities living in the area. She highlighted that Marachi is home to people from different ethnic backgrounds including Somali, Kikuyu, Jaluos, and others who have lived together peacefully.
"Marachi is home to people from different ethnic communities. We are calling for peaceful coexistence," Jele said, urging all residents to put aside their differences and work together for the common good. She emphasized that the community's strength lies in its diversity and that this diversity should be a source of unity rather than division.
Jele also called on authorities to take firm action against anyone interfering with the work of police and Kenya Power officials. She expressed concern that criminal elements were exploiting political tensions to advance their own criminal agenda, thereby undermining the peace and development efforts of the community.
As authorities continue their efforts to restore calm in Marachi and surrounding areas, the message to residents is clear: political participation is welcome, but it must be conducted peacefully and responsibly. Those involved in criminal activities are being warned that security agencies are ready to take decisive action to protect the community.
The situation in Busia County highlights the challenges facing many Kenyan communities as the country prepares for the 2027 election. While political competition is healthy for democracy, it must not come at the expense of peace, security, and the safety of ordinary citizens going about their daily lives.
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