Goonism in Kenyan Politics Must Stop Before 2027

 Goonism in Kenyan Politics Must Stop Before 2027

|Image Courtesy of Nation Africa|

By Micah Mukhwana Sikuku

Kenya has struggled with political violence for decades. The 2007 General Election saw more than 1,000 people killed and hundreds of thousands displaced after the disputed presidential election triggered widespread violence. In later elections like the 2017 General Election, supporters and political groups were accused of using intimidation and violence against opponents. In Kisumu, Nairobi and other areas, Amnesty International documented attacks on protesters and bystanders, while Human Rights Watch reported threats against opposition supporters in Naivasha. Violence has continued in smaller forms through intimidation, hired groups and attacks on political opponents.

The events in Homa Bay on Sunday, 16 August 2026, show how serious the problem has become. Violence disrupted Linda Mwananchi rallies, vehicles were torched and property worth millions of shillings was destroyed. Journalists were among those injured while covering the events. One person, a Ugandan woman, died after being caught up in the violence. Reports also indicate that 46 people were injured, including four who suffered gunshot wounds. The National Police Service has since said it will pursue those who organised, financed or facilitated the violence.

What makes Homa Bay especially worrying is the allegation that violence was organised rather than spontaneous. Reports by Nation indicate that some youths were allegedly paid up to KSh4,000 to participate in the chaos. If confirmed, this would show how political money can turn unemployed young people into instruments of violence. Young people should be earning from politics through ideas, jobs and leadership. They should not be earning from attacking fellow citizens in political rallies!

The danger extends beyond politicians. Journalists are increasingly becoming targets simply for doing their work. For example, two AFP journalists, Fred Ooko and Brian Ongoro, were attacked by armed youths while travelling from Kisumu to cover the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay on 16 August 2026. They were beaten with clubs and robbed of cameras, press cards and other belongings. This follows other incidents in 2026 where reporters covering political events have been beaten, threatened or had their equipment damaged.

Ordinary Wanjikus also pay the price. In July, a man named Vincent Osiemo died after sustaining injuries during an attack on the Linda Mwananchi convoy in Keumbu, Kisii. Several others were injured and vehicles were damaged. What began as political confrontation therefore ended with an ordinary Kenyan losing his life. Six suspects were later linked to the incident, while police also summoned Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda as part of the investigation.

The Kisii incident also raises a difficult question about policing. According to the Standard, suspected attackers operated in the presence of police officers during the Keumbu violence. That does not prove that individual officers participated in or supported the attack. However, this raises serious questions about whether security agencies sometimes see political violence happening and fail to stop it quickly. The answer cannot always be another investigation after people have already been injured or killed. Sometimes police see violence happening, they see it on CCTVs, all they can do is arrest the suspects instead of doing investigations after investigations. What we need is action against the suspects!

Political violence has also reached respected public institutions. In July 2025, goons stormed the Kenya Human Rights Commission offices during a press conference involving journalists and mothers of people killed or disappeared during protests. KHRC reported that attendees were assaulted, property was damaged and repeated calls for police assistance went unanswered for about 40 minutes. This is clearly an attack on constitutional freedoms. If institutions cannot be respected then there's no ordinary Wanjiku out there who is safe under police, that is the image that the public has of our policemen and women and it's sad to say the least!

The attack on Senator Godfrey Osotsi in Kisumu earlier this year demonstrated that even leaders are not respected anymore. CCTV footage showed the senator being assaulted by a group of men at a restaurant. Osotsi was injured and described the incident as politically motivated. Parliament subsequently raised concerns about politically linked violence and the safety of political leaders and the public. It's important to note that political disagreements should be settled through debate in parliament or any relevant platform like media and elections like in the much anticipated 2027 general elections and not through fists and weapons.

The government must therefore act before 2027 rather than after the first major incident happens. The National Police Service, DCI, IPOA, EACC and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions should identify organisers, financiers and repeat offenders behind political violence in our country. Police intelligence should be used before rallies to prevent attacks. Where officers fail to intervene despite having a clear opportunity to protect citizens, their conduct should also be investigated accordingly. The DCI should follow the politicians behind funding the goons, not just arrest the young people found holding stones, as sometimes some may be innocent and defending themselves against the planned goons.

Political parties and candidates have an equally important responsibility. In this case, Linda Mwananchi should publicly reject the use of gangs, intimidation and paid crowds in other political activities like the way Babu Owino demonstrated as he and the Linda Mwananchi team proceeded with their campaign rather than organising retaliation, leaving security agencies to deal with the alleged attackers. Parties should maintain identifiable security teams that do not carry weapons and should cooperate with police during political events. Candidates who finance violence should face consequences regardless of their political connections.

Kenyans, especially young people, Gen Z to be specific, must refuse to become political weapons. The recent Homa Bay violence is enough evidence. At least 46 people were injured, including civilians (some who were innocent supporters) and police officers. Eight journalists and two drivers were also reportedly injured, demonstrating that political violence does not spare even people who are simply doing their jobs or innocently minding their own business. The death of 36-year-old Vincent Osiemo after the July attack on a Linda Mwananchi convoy in Kisii is another reminder that ordinary Wanjikus pay the highest price. Young people should demand jobs, skills and opportunities from politicians, not money to attack their opponents.

The 2027 General Election is still months away. Kenya therefore has time to act before political violence becomes normal. Homa Bay should be a warning, not a rehearsal for another 2007 repeat violence, God forbid! The National Police Service has already said it is pursuing people suspected of organising, financing and facilitating the Homa Bay violence and reported that 37 suspected gang members had been arrested with crude weapons including machetes, knives and metal rods. This action must go beyond arresting people found at the scene only, but arresting those who recruit, finance and organise political violence as well, and they must also be identified and held accountable because they are behind this.

About the Author

Micah Mukhwana Sikuku is a Paralegal, a Civic Educator and aspiring MCA for Clay City Ward, Kasarani Constituency in 2027.