Civil Society in Uasin Gishu Condemns Rising “Goons Culture” in Kenyan Politics, Warns of Threat to Democracy and Security
Kirui described such conduct as unacceptable, insisting that political competition should not be expressed through violence or disruption.
Kimutai Kirui, Executive Director of the Centre Against Torture [speaking] and human activist Benson Juma Akumu speaking during press briefing at Eldoret Media Hub.
By James Gitaka
Human rights defenders and civil society actors in Uasin Gishu County have strongly condemned what they describe as a rising “goons culture” in Kenyan politics, warning that it is increasingly threatening democratic space, public safety, and trust in state institutions.
The concerns were raised during a media briefing held in Eldoret, where activists called for urgent reforms, tighter accountability mechanisms, and decisive action against political leaders allegedly linked to violence at public and political gatherings.
Leading the remarks, Kimutai Kirui, Executive Director of the Centre Against Torture, said he was speaking from Eldoret to condemn what he termed the growing use of organized groups to disrupt political meetings and civic events across the country, including in Nairobi and other regions.
Kirui accused some elected leaders, including governors and Members of Parliament, of allegedly recruiting, financing, and mobilizing groups of goons to intimidate political opponents during empowerment forums, development events, and public functions. He argued that such practices have been repeatedly witnessed in Eldoret and have contributed to a climate of fear and hostility in otherwise peaceful public engagements.
He further criticized what he called “political intrusion into functions,” stating that leaders who are not invited to official events should not respond with force or intimidation. He cited alleged incidents in which political rivalry escalated into disruption of development programs, including claims that a county governor allegedly deployed groups to disrupt a Women Representative’s development initiative under national government programs.
Kirui described such conduct as unacceptable, insisting that political competition should not be expressed through violence or disruption. “Goons will not help anything in this country,” he said, calling for an immediate end to politically motivated violence.
Beyond local political dynamics, Kirui also raised concerns about what he termed inconsistencies in government communication and policy direction within the national executive. He pointed to what he described as conflicting messaging between the Presidency and the Ministry of Interior regarding security and enforcement priorities.
He referenced a recent national address by William Ruto in Eldoret, during which the Head of State reportedly ordered a crackdown on ethanol, second-generation alcohol, and narcotics as part of a broader campaign to protect youth and strengthen the economy. However, Kirui claimed that subsequent remarks by Kipchumba Murkomen suggested a more limited enforcement approach, distinguishing between licensed and unlicensed alcohol outlets.
According to Kirui, such distinctions undermine the effectiveness of anti-drug and anti-illicit alcohol campaigns, since illegal products may still operate within licensed establishments. He argued that Cabinet Secretaries are required to fully implement presidential directives without contradiction, warning that inconsistent messaging weakens enforcement efforts and public confidence.
He also criticized what he described as contradictory approaches to dealing with organized political violence, noting that repeated references to historical or international examples of violent groups should not delay urgent action in Kenya. He insisted that once the President has issued clear instructions, security agencies must act decisively to dismantle such networks.
Benson Juma Akumu, also speaking at the briefing, echoed similar concerns, condemning what he termed “gunism” and politically motivated violence. He warned that the use of organized groups to disrupt political meetings is eroding democratic space and undermining public confidence in leadership.
Akumu stressed that violence cannot substitute for democratic competition and warned politicians that intimidation would not translate into electoral success. He further cautioned that continued reliance on such tactics risks destabilizing regions such as the Rift Valley and undermining long-term development.
He also highlighted what he described as a growing problem of “two centers of power,” arguing that conflicting messages from different state actors are contributing to confusion in governance and security enforcement. According to him, such inconsistencies weaken the rule of law and embolden those who operate outside legal boundaries.
Civil society groups concluded the briefing by urging security agencies to take firm and impartial action against individuals and networks involved in organizing or financing violent groups, regardless of political affiliation. They also called for improved coordination within government institutions to ensure consistent communication and effective implementation of national security directives.
The statement adds to an ongoing national debate on political conduct, internal security coordination, and the responsibility of leadership in preventing politically linked violence ahead of future political activities in Kenya.
About Author
