Kenya is currently witnessing a troubling resurgence in the use of organised youth groups, often called ‘goons’, that are threatening rivals, blocking roads, and violently disrupting public rallies. What began as isolated incidents in selected parts of the country is rapidly taking on a dangerous pattern and is now almost spreading across the country.   

Analysts warn that this wave of lawlessness, fuelled by premature political campaigns, risks plunging the country into a culture of impunity, as violence creeps back into politics and erodes hard-won democratic gains and civic order.  

Recent incidents, such as the one witnessed on April 11, when goons blocked a section of the Southern Bypass leading to Kikuyu Town in Kiambu County, hours before a scheduled political rally by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, are a stark reminder that without decisive action to protect citizens and uphold the rule of law, political tensions risk spilling over into open disruption and insecurity.   

Another incident occurred when Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi was attacked days earlier, on April 8. According to media reports, the senator had made a routine visit to the Acacia area in Kisumu town to get a haircut before proceeding to Java restaurant, where he met a friend and interacted with members of the public. Shortly after, a group of armed individuals reportedly confronted and questioned him about his political allegiance. Owing to his support for the ‘one-term’ movement as an affiliate of the Linda Mwananchi faction, the goons reportedly assaulted the senator.     

The government, through the Ministry of Interior & National Administration, has reported that over 100 suspected gangs are operating in the country, allegedly engaged in serious offences.  

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen told a parliamentary committee that groups have evolved from street goons into sophisticated, well-organised alleged criminal enterprises operating mainly in urban areas. The Cabinet Secretary said the gangs and goons allegedly enjoy political influence. He noted that, “Outside goonism, the gangs are allegedly engaged in other activities such as drug trafficking, illicit brews, extortion, and land disputes.” 

In another incident in Meru County, youths were reported to have set up bonfires and blocked major roads to prevent a political convoy from reaching a planned rally. They disrupted transport in the region, raising tensions. The same tactics have been observed in other areas, where impromptu roadblocks and planned inconveniences have been used to thwart opposing political rallies.  

In Gilgil, Nakuru County, an opposition rally was violently interrupted when suspected contract groups stormed the rally hall and attacked the attendees. Leaders at the meeting had to shorten their speeches.  

Such incidents have occurred in other regions, where political rallies and even non-political social gatherings, such as church services, have been stormed by disruptive groups, causing panic and property damage.   

Goonism as an Electoral Weapon  

Within the region, there has been an increase in the use of goons. According to Human Rights Watch, Kenya’s 2007/2008 post-election violence, which left over 1,100 people dead and displaced 600,000, was a result of the use of militia groups. Additionally, during the 2024 and 2025 Gen Z protests crackdowns, armed groups, allegedly backed by elites, carried out abductions, vandalism, and intimidation.  

Across the border in Uganda, Amnesty International noted that the country’s 2021 elections showcased “crime preventers” suppressing dissent. In Ethiopia, informal militias in Oromia and Amhara enforced party loyalty and silenced opposition.   

Beyond immediate outcomes, these activities normalise political violence, weaken civil institutions, and compromise democratic legitimacy. Goons instil fear, reduce voter participation, destroy property, and perpetuate cycles of retributive violence.  

Haiti’s gang-driven political instability illustrates how organised, elite-backed violence entrenches corruption and lawlessness, offering a cautionary parallel for Kenya and its neighbours.  

The persistence of goonism reflects both state complicity and elite capture of democratic institutions and processes.    

As a country, we must hold those in power to account. They should not allow political violence to persist, normalise goonism, or weaken democracy. Strengthening institutions and enforcing the law are essential to dismantling these networks of hired violence and rebuilding democratic norms.