A new report from the Kenyan Ministry of Interior reveals that political violence, including disruptions to rallies and intimidation tactics, is not spontaneous but deliberately organised by political actors.

• The report indicates that political elites and operatives orchestrate violence to undermine opponents and assert control, often using methods seen in past election periods like 2007-2008 and 2017.
• Vulnerable groups, such as boda boda riders, casual labourers, and unemployed youth, are frequently recruited for these operations, often motivated by financial incentives.
• These deployments are typically pre-planned and financed, with political figures maintaining deniability while privately benefiting from the resultant instability.