Kuria said that Kenya is entering a very sensitive political period and that any attempt to influence the election outcome could lead to serious unrest.
Speaking during a press briefing on Saturday, November 22, Kuria stated clearly that Kenyans will not tolerate any type of election interference.
He directly warned President Ruto by saying, “Ruto, do not try what Suluhu did in Tanzania. Kenya is not Tanzania.”
This statement immediately sparked national debate, with many political observers saying Kuria was raising concerns that many Kenyans have quietly discussed.
Kuria explained that during the 2020 Tanzanian elections, critics accused President Samia Suluhu’s government of running a process that lacked transparency and fairness.
He said Kenya must avoid going down that path, especially now that the international community is paying close attention to how the upcoming by-election will be handled.
According to Kuria, several incidents that occurred during the campaign period already show signs of political tension. He pointed to statements, threats, and confrontations involving different political camps in Mbeere North and surrounding regions.
Kuria insisted that if these issues are not addressed, the by-election could trigger violence that may spread to other parts of the country.
Kuria said he has already raised concerns with senior officials at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), urging them to reinforce security before the election. He added that the IEBC must act quickly to protect both candidates and voters so the election can be peaceful and credible.
He also reminded Kenyans of what the country went through in 2007 during the post-election violence. Kuria said he witnessed the chaos first-hand and cannot remain silent when he sees early signs of similar problems emerging.
“I was here in 2007, and I saw how Kenya suffered. I cannot keep quiet when I see things that may take us back there,” he said.
Kuria further highlighted recent attacks on politicians. One of the most notable incidents happened in Chwele Kabuchai Ward, where Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya narrowly escaped harm while campaigning.
Natembeya and leaders in his team were allegedly targeted by goons linked to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, whose Ford Kenya party supports a rival candidate.
DAP-K, Natembeya’s party, condemned the attack in a strongly worded statement posted on X. The party accused security agencies of failing to protect leaders in the area and warned that silence from the authorities would only encourage more violence.
They also urged the IEBC and the National Police Service to act quickly before things get out of control.
Kuria echoed the same fears. He said that once violence begins, politicians often pretend they have no control over it even though many of the attacks are linked to them. He urged all leaders to show responsibility and avoid actions that can provoke clashes.
He stated that Kenya has grown politically and that citizens now understand their rights better. He added that any leader planning to manipulate results should know that such behaviour will not be tolerated. Kuria said Kenyans are alert, and the level of tolerance for electoral fraud is at its lowest in many years.
He insisted that Kenya cannot be compared to Tanzania in matters of elections. He repeated that attempts to follow the Tanzanian style will only lead to tension and conflict.
“Let no leader think they can steal votes or influence the process. Kenyans will not accept it,” Kuria said.
The by-election has attracted intense political interest. Several top leaders have camped in Mbeere North to support their preferred candidates.
Kuria is backing Ireri Mbui, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is supporting Newton Karish, and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is campaigning for Leonard Muthede of the UDA party.
Residents in the area say the campaigns have been heated, and the presence of many high-profile leaders has increased anxiety. Some locals fear that clashes could erupt if political leaders do not manage their supporters carefully.
Kuria urged the IEBC to remain firm and act independently. He said the commission should not favour any side and must make sure the polls reflect the true will of the people. He also asked the police to provide equal protection to all candidates, regardless of the party they come from.
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Politics