Kitwek Nairobi Forum Warns Against ‘Rerun of 2007’ Ahead of 2027 Elections

Taifa leonews

Macha David 

The Kitwek Nairobi Forum has raised alarm over what it describes as increasingly divisive political rhetoric ahead of the 2027 General Election, warning that Kenya risks repeating the painful experiences of the 2007–2008 post-election violence.

Speaking during a press conference in Nairobi, Brian Chebii said political leaders must stop using inflammatory rhetoric that could create fear, suspicion and ethnic divisions. He warned that Kenyans should not allow political interests to reopen wounds left by the 2007–2008 crisis.

Evelyn Koech expressed concern over claims circulating during political rallies alleging the existence of organised “Nandi warriors” prepared to defend or attack political interests. She termed such claims dangerous and irresponsible, saying they risk creating unnecessary fear and portraying an entire community as being prepared for political violence.

Kigen Koech urged Kenyans to learn from the country's history and reject narratives that could once again divide communities along ethnic lines. He said the Kalenjin community, like other Kenyan communities, suffered during the 2007–2008 violence and should not be subjected to renewed stereotypes or accusations of collective involvement in organised violence.

The forum strongly rejected claims that an organised group known as “Nandi warriors” had been mobilised for political violence, describing the allegations as fabricated narratives capable of fuelling ethnic tension.

According to the group, similar accusations and ethnic stereotypes were widely circulated in the period leading to the 2007 General Election. It said repeated claims portraying communities as organised ethnic militias contributed to mistrust and suspicion before the country descended into violence.

The forum noted that the 2007–2008 crisis resulted in deaths, displacement, loss of property and long-term emotional and economic consequences for thousands of Kenyans.

It called on political leaders to exercise responsibility in their public statements, particularly during rallies and campaigns, and urged citizens to reject inflammatory messages.

The Kitwek Nairobi Forum said Kenya must avoid a “rerun of 2007” by promoting peaceful political competition, national unity and responsible leadership as the country approaches the 2027 elections.