President Ruto Orders Security Agencies to Crush Rising Political Goonism
In recent months, by-elections, church functions and rallies have been marred by clashes involving youths armed with crude weapons, including machetes and rungus.
President William Ruto. Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
President William Ruto has issued a tough directive to security agencies to crack down on political goonism, warning that the government will no longer tolerate leaders who hire youths to cause chaos and violence.
Speaking on Monday, December 1, 2025, during the pass-out parade of 5,892 chiefs and assistant chiefs at the National Police College, Embakasi ‘A’ Campus in Nairobi, the Head of State instructed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to take firm and decisive legal action against individuals sponsoring and mobilizing goons.
Ruto said Kenya is a country governed by the rule of law and cannot allow lawlessness to take root through hired gangs disrupting public gatherings, attacking citizens, and destroying property.
“We cannot allow those using youth as goons to cause chaos and death to continue doing so. I have instructed the Inspector-General of Police that these individuals should face severe legal action to end hooliganism and stop activities that threaten the security of our country,” President Ruto said.
The officers who graduated had undergone intensive training in paramilitary skills, paralegal studies and security management – training the government says is aimed at strengthening grassroots administration and stamping out political violence and disorder.
The President’s warning comes against a backdrop of increasing incidents of politically-linked violence. In recent months, by-elections, church functions and rallies have been marred by clashes involving youths armed with crude weapons, including machetes and rungus.
The latest incident occurred on Sunday, November 30, in Kariobangi North, Nairobi, where a thanksgiving service at a PCEA Church attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was disrupted after rival groups clashed. The National Police Service said two groups of youths clashed inside and outside the church, leaving several people injured.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen echoed the President’s stance, describing the trend as dangerous.
“There is a phenomenon that has grown in the country where politicians, when they want to go for meetings they have to mobilise goons to cheer them. They are carrying machetes, rungus and other things. This must be dealt with without fear or favour, indiscriminately,” Murkomen stated.
President Ruto noted that the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda depends on a secure and orderly environment, terming security as the first foundation for investment and growth. He urged the newly commissioned chiefs to work closely with security agencies to identify criminals, bandits and those threatening public safety.
He also cautioned politicians against exploiting unemployed youth, saying those without an agenda resort to violence to compensate for lack of ideas. Opposition leaders have however accused the government of selective enforcement, claims the government has denied.
The directive is part of a wider whole-of-government approach that also seeks to address drug abuse, illicit alcohol, gender-based violence and cattle rustling ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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