We need as a country to make a difficult but necessary conversation about the direction of our politics. In recent days, the country has witnessed worrying scenes of organized groups disrupting political events, confronting opponents and creating tension in public spaces. Whether seen at rallies, public gatherings or demonstrations, the growing visibility of so called “goons” in our political environment is deeply troubling.
At the center of the current debate is the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, led by Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. Together with his Principal Secretary, Raymond Omollo, the ministry has argued that some politicians deliberately hire gangs to stage or provoke attacks in order to gain political mileage. According to this position, certain leaders orchestrate chaos and then present themselves as victims to win public sympathy and shift the narrative in their favor.
On the other side of the political divide, members of the opposition strongly reject these claims. They argue that the groups recently witnessed disrupting political activities are not self sponsored by politicians seeking sympathy but rather are state backed actors operating with protection. They point to instances where such groups appear to act boldly and in some cases, in the presence of security officers raising questions about who is truly behind them.
These opposing claims paint a disturbing picture. Whether goons are being used by politicians to stage manage attacks or are being sponsored to intimidate critics of the government, the real loser in this confrontation is the Kenyan citizen. Violence, intimidation and fear have no place in a democracy that prides itself on constitutional order and competitive politics.
As we approach the 2027 campaign period, this issue becomes even more urgent. Kenya’s political seasons are historically charged. Emotions run high, alliances shift and rhetoric intensifies. If we allow the culture of hired gangs and political intimidation to take root now, we risk entering the next election cycle under a cloud of fear and hostility.
Politics should be a contest of ideas, policies and leadership styles and not a display of physical strength or street power. When goons become tools of political messaging, citizens begin to lose trust in leaders. Young people, who should be the backbone of civic engagement are instead mobilized as instruments of disruption. Vulnerable groups in our society feel unsafe attending public events. Businesses suffer while communities grow anxious.
Perhaps most damaging is the erosion of confidence in institutions. Security agencies are meant to serve all Kenyans equally. If there is even a perception that they are aligned with one political side, the credibility of the state suffers. Similarly, if politicians are manufacturing chaos to manipulate public opinions they are equally guilty of weakening democracy.
It is time for political leaders across the spectrum to take responsibility. Those in government must ensure that security agencies operate professionally, impartially and transparently. Those in opposition must also ensure that their supporters do not engage in provocation or staged theatrics. Accountability cannot be selective. The law must apply equally to everyone from organizers, financiers and perpetrators of political violence alike.
Ending the culture of ”goonism” will not happen through press conferences alone. It will require firm law enforcement, internal party discipline and a clear public commitment by leaders to reject violence as a political tool. Civil society, religious leaders and the media must also play their part by consistently condemning political violence regardless of who benefits from it.
Kenya has come a long way in strengthening its democratic institutions. We have a progressive Constitution and a politically aware citizenry. But democracy is not self sustaining. It requires constant vigilance and responsible leadership.
As 2027 approaches, we must ask ourselves the kind of politics we want to normalize. One built on ideas and dialogue or one sustained by intimidation and fear? Kenya deserves politics anchored in civility, accountability and respect for the rule of law. It is time to end the culture of goons in our nation’s political life. Goons cannot be part of our politics and social life.
