Kenya battles to stop the 'goons and guns' as fears of political violence grow
A recent attack on Kenyan Senator Godfrey Osotsi has sparked national concern over rising political violence ahead of the upcoming elections. Politicians are accused of hiring youth gangs, known as 'goons,' to intimidate opponents, a pattern that dates back to the 1990s and fueled deadly post-election violence in 2007. The government admits it is struggling to control increasingly sophisticated criminal networks linked to political figures.
- ▪Senator Godfrey Osotsi was attacked by hooded youths in Kisumu, alleging the assault was politically motivated due to his lack of support for the president's re-election bid.
- ▪Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen stated that over 104 local criminal gangs operate in Kenya, many under political patronage, and described them as a threat to national security.
- ▪At least 300 suspects linked to political gangs were arrested last month, though no politicians were charged, as police recovered weapons and communication devices in raids.
- ▪Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, impeached in 2024, claims state-linked criminal networks have targeted him over two dozen times since his removal.
- ▪Opposition groups and civil society accuse police of either colluding with or ignoring gang violence, especially during political rallies.
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Kenya battles to stop the 'goons and guns' as fears of political violence grow16 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleAFP via Getty ImagesPoliticians are accused of hiring young people to disrupt opponents' activitiesWycliffe MuiaNairobiOn a quiet Wednesday last month, a Kenyan politician stopped for coffee after a haircut in the western city of Kisumu.Moments later, a group of hooded youths set upon Senator Godfrey Osotsi without warning - punching and kicking him, leaving him badly injured, stripping him of his phones and valuables before vanishing into the street.The assault was captured on CCTV. Within hours, the footage was everywhere.The police are still investigating but the senator said this was not a robbery.
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