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NGEC Warns Gender-Based Violence Threatens Women, Youth Participation in 2027 Elections capitalfm.africa/ngec-warns-…

When the danger comes through a child’s phone: One in five children exposed to sexual content online nation.africa/kenya/news/gen…

EQUALITY BULLETIN, EDITION 41 IS OUT!! SIGS: 2027 STARTS NOW The IEBC gazetted the 2027 electoral timetable on 20 August 2026. Four deadlines fall before this year ends. The first binds political parties on 15 October. Our cover story sets out what those dates mean for women, youth, persons with disabilities, older members of society, and minority and marginalised communities, read against the Commission's monitoring of the 2022 General Election. Also inside: Article 27 at sixteen years. Kenya has secured the norm, not the outcome. Read this edition here:ngeckenya.org/img/downloads/… @IEBCKenya @ORPPKenya @UraiaTrust @NAFRIWA @Gvrckenya @WanguKanjaF @LaserInsureKE @AFOSCKENYA @IOMKenya @NYC_YouthVoice @Ncpwds

Political “goonism” is not just a threat to public order; it is a threat to democratic participation. The Commission participated in a two-day stakeholder forum convened by the @lawsocietykenya (Western Kenya Chapter) with support from the Open Society for Eastern Africa (OSEA), bringing together the National Police Service @NPSOfficial_KE, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions @ODPP_KE, Independent Policing Oversight Authority @IPOA_KE, civil society organisations, social justice actors, the media and the legal profession to examine the growing threat of election-related violence. The conversation comes as Kenya confronts renewed concerns over the use of organised groups, commonly referred to as “goons,” to disrupt political activities, intimidate opponents and create fear around public gatherings. The issue has gained national prominence ahead of the 2027 General Election, following a series of violent incidents reported in different parts of the country. Recent violence in Homa Bay left at least two people dead, dozens injured and property destroyed, while concerns over organised political violence have also been raised following incidents in Kisumu and other counties. The forum examined how the growing phenomenon of goonism and politically linked violence can undermine constitutional rights and shrink the democratic space. Participants reflected on incidents including the July attack at St Stephen’s Cathedral in Kisumu and violence surrounding the Linda Mwananchi activities in Homa Bay, where political confrontations resulted in loss of life, injuries and destruction of property. The concern extends beyond the immediate victims. When goons are deployed to disrupt a political meeting, attack opponents or intimidate citizens, the consequences can reach far beyond the venue. People begin to withdraw from political spaces. Candidates become afraid to campaign. Communities become polarised. Journalists face greater risks. Citizens may avoid rallies and public forums. And those already facing barriers to political participation can be pushed even further to the margins. For women, youth, persons with disabilities, minorities and marginalised communities, this can have a particularly damaging effect. Women aspiring for elective office already contend with financial barriers, discriminatory attitudes, online abuse and gender-based violence. The emergence or normalisation of goonism adds another layer of intimidation to an already unequal political environment. Recent engagements with women aspirants have similarly highlighted concerns that political violence and the use of goons could discourage women from seeking elective positions or participating freely in campaigns. Young people also risk being caught on both sides of this cycle—as targets of political violence and, in some circumstances, as the very people recruited or mobilised to perpetrate it. Stakeholders and community leaders have recently raised concerns about the exploitation of young people in political violence and called for greater investment in constructive youth engagement. The Commission emphasised that election-related violence is not merely a security problem. It is an equality, human-rights and governance problem. The Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to participate in political processes, assemble peacefully, express political views and make political choices without intimidation or discrimination. When violence becomes a tool for settling political differences, these rights are placed at risk. The forum called for stronger accountability across the political, security and justice sectors, including timely investigation of incidents, impartial enforcement of the law and appropriate action against individuals found responsible for violence or incitement—regardless of their political affiliation or position. As Kenya moves towards 2027, prevention must start now. Early-warning mechanisms, community engagement, responsible political leadership, protection of civic space, accountable policing and effective prosecution will be critical in preventing isolated incidents from developing into wider patterns of political violence. The Commission remains committed to working with State and non-State actors to safeguard equality, freedom from discrimination and meaningful participation for all, with particular attention to Special Interest Groups that face disproportionate barriers to political and civic participation. A democracy cannot be free when citizens must calculate the risk of violence before exercising their rights. Kenya’s political contests must be decided by ideas, policies, leadership and the will of the people—not goons, intimidation or fear. #EndPoliticalViolence #StopGoonism @Eastleighvoice #GeneralElection2027 #InclusiveElections #PoliticalParticipation #GenderEquality #SpecialInterestGroups #PeacefulElections #LeaveNoOneBehind @KEWOPA @DavisOkeyo

Kenya's young people are not passive technology consumers. They are creators, entrepreneurs, students, workers, voters, innovators and emerging leaders. Digital platforms can expand access to information, economic opportunities and civic participation—but harassment, exploitation, misinformation and technology-facilitated violence can undermine those opportunities. As Kenya moves towards the 2027 General Election, the digital space will increasingly shape how young people access information, engage in political debate, mobilise and exercise their democratic rights. Young people must be able to participate online without intimidation, abuse or manipulation. Kenya's response to the Triple Threat also demonstrates why youth issues cannot be addressed in isolation. In 2024, adolescent pregnancies accounted for 16% of all pregnancies, while 2,799 new HIV infections were estimated among adolescents and 17,361 SGBV cases were reported among 10–17-year-olds. Young people need information, opportunity, protection and a meaningful voice in shaping the solutions. #YouthVoices #EndTFGBV #DigitalSafety #GenderEquality @KEWOPA @fidakenya @WanguKanjaF @HeForShe

Mentoring boys today is an investment in responsible men and safer communities tomorrow. Presiding Archbishop Zack Maina of Rehoboth House of Worship International Ministry paid a courtesy call to our CEO @puritynginaa The engagement focused on his work in mentoring young boys and supporting male prisoners through guidance, rehabilitation and personal transformation. These interventions are important because many boys and men face social pressures, harmful gender expectations and limited access to positive role models or safe spaces where they can seek support. The discussions explored opportunities for collaboration in promoting responsible masculinity, preventing gender-based violence and strengthening mentorship initiatives for boys and incarcerated men. Effective rehabilitation must go beyond serving a sentence. It should encourage accountability, behavioural change and successful reintegration into families and communities. Engaging men and boys as partners in advancing gender equality is essential to breaking cycles of violence and building a society founded on dignity, respect and equality for all. #GenderEquality #Mentorship #MenAndBoys #PositiveMasculinity #EndGBV #Rehabilitation #SocialInclusion