Kenya battles to stop the 'goons and guns' as fears of political violence grow

"The gangs are owned by political leaders who play a significant role in mobilising people. It is chaotic. An irresponsible leader is a threat to national security."

— Kipchumba Murkomen , Politician

"The more you disrupt our meetings, the more you harass elected leaders, the stronger this movement becomes."

— Rigathi Gachagua , Politician

"We have a team recording cases of police brutality and the involvement of goons."

— Rigathi Gachagua , Politician

"It is unfortunate that some leaders are resorting to violence to silence others."

— Fred Matiang’i , Politician

"Political differences should be managed through tolerance and respect."

— Fred Matiang’i , Politician

"It is their opportunity to come out clearly to Kenyans and say that what is happening now is illegal or unacceptable."

— Jackson Ole Sapit , Activist

"I want to warn Kenyans that what is happening in Haiti started just like this..."

— Edwin Sifuna , Politician

"We will not allow anyone else, even those who are engaged in youthful misadventure..."

— Raymond Omollo , Executive

"We put the Inspector General on notice of this intelligence and call on the National Police Service to act on it accordingly."

— Kimani Ichung’wah , Politician

"This is not political rhetoric, it is an open threat against the people of Kikuyu."

— Kimani Ichung’wah , Politician

"The people of Kikuyu Town deserve adequate police protection… and should not be exposed to choreographed violence and destruction."

— Kimani Ichung’wah , Politician

"The biggest risk to Kenya’s security and democracy is the use of goons as tools of political mobilisation in 2026 and 2027."

— Moses Kuria , Politician

"Political violence orchestrated by goons was not random but 'calculated and politically sponsored.'"

— Rosa Buyu , Politician