Apostle Peter Manyuru…Photo/IP.
NAIROBI, Kenya (Aug. 24, 2025) — The Pentecostal Voice of Kenya (PVK) has thrown its weight behind President William Ruto’s call for investigations into alleged bribery in Parliament.
While raising alarm over the surge in political hooliganism and attacks on journalists,PVK Chairperson Apostle Peter Manyuru said the country is witnessing a dangerous trend where goons are being hired to intimidate rivals and disrupt political activities.
“When it comes to the president’s recent stance against corruption and pilferage of public resources, such tough talk isn’t new. More often, it is not followed up with actions. PVK notes with a lot of concern the recent trend of hiring goons to settle scores and terrorise real or perceived opponents,” Manyuru said.
The warning comes days after chaotic scenes marked the return of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
His supporters clashed with police in Nairobi sparking violent confrontations and gridlock across major roads.
The church group also condemned a string of attacks on journalists, warning that media freedom is under siege as the political temperature rises ahead of 2027.
Kenya continues to rank poorly in global corruption indices fuelling public frustration over unfulfilled anti-graft pledges.
Violence is rising from street clashes to mob attacks, hooliganism is fast becoming a tool of political warfare.
Reporters covering rallies and protests have increasingly been targeted by both security forces and political mobs, threatening press freedom.
The group urged law enforcement agencies to pursue corruption claims in Parliament without fear or favor, crack down on politically sponsored thuggery and guarantee the safety of journalists covering rallies and protests.
“Kenya cannot normalize intimidation, corruption and mob justice,” Manyuru said. “If we do, we risk eroding the very foundation of democracy.”
Analysts warn that unless strong action follows the president’s anti-graft rhetoric, Kenyans may dismiss it as another round of empty promises.
At the same time unchecked hooliganism and attacks on the media could silence dissenting voices — tilting the political field as campaigns gather steam.
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