By Joyce kifalu | June 14, 2026
Speaking to journalists earlier today, VOCAL Africa founder Walid Sketty said the Constitution of Kenya guarantees citizens the right to security, freedom of expression, assembly, association, and participation in public affairs.
He stated that the citizens attending the forum were peacefully exercising their constitutional rights before an organized group allegedly stormed the meeting with violence and intimidation.
“The attack was not only against participants who had gathered peacefully to discuss important national issues, but also an attack on the Constitution of Kenya, democratic values, and the rule of law,” he said.
The organizations also expressed concern over what they described as the growing use of politically sponsored gangs in the country.
According to the groups, such gangs are being used to intimidate government critics, disrupt civic meetings, and silence voices calling for accountability and transparency in leadership.
“Discussions like these
strengthen democracy and accountability. They should be supported rather than violently suppressed,” the organizations stated.
At the same time, the groups sharply criticized the National Police Service for what they termed as failure to take action against perpetrators of political violence despite the availability of CCTV footage, journalists’ recordings, and other witnesses. They also called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to resign, claiming he has failed in his duties.
They further argued that the failure to arrest and prosecute suspects is eroding public confidence in security agencies and creating the perception that politically connected criminals are being protected.
The organizations have called for immediate investigations into the attack at All Saints Cathedral, as well as the arrest and prosecution of all those involved.
They also urged the government to enhance security at civic meetings, public forums, and places of worship, while calling on political leaders to openly condemn political violence.
