Lead

As Kenya approaches its 2027 elections, violent disruptions at political and civic events are raising concerns about the use of hired gangs to intimidate rivals and disrupt public events. The general feeling of safety among citizens has declined, with some residents describing a climate of constant fear.

Brian Ongore, a Nairobi resident, expressed this anxiety, saying, "Whenever you see a group of youths, you're just in panic because you never know what will happen to you next. Everybody is in constant panic. The general feeling of safety has gone down. It's like you're living in the jungle."

Coverage Comparison

Both AllAfrica and Deutsche Welle report on the growing concern over hired gangs, highlighting recent incidents and the broader implications for the election process. The two outlets present similar narratives, focusing on the issue of political gangs and the challenges of addressing them.

According to their reports, so-called "goons" are being hired—sometimes dozens or even hundreds at a time—to intimidate rivals or disrupt public events ahead of the elections. This phenomenon is not new, according to security analyst Byron Adera, who said the use of political gangs is becoming more organized.

Recent violent disruptions at opposition-linked gatherings in the towns of Kisumu and Nyahururu have underscored the tensions. In June, a civil society and church forum at Nairobi's All Saints Cathedral was also disrupted during discussions on public finance management.

Key Claims

  • Violent disruptions of political and civic events are raising concerns about the use of hired gangs as Kenya heads toward elections in 2027.
  • Police often turn a blind eye to these disruptions, as reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP) and noted in the coverage.
  • Recent violent disruptions have occurred at opposition-linked gatherings in Kisumu and Nyahururu, as well as at a civil society and church forum in Nairobi.
  • Amnesty International Kenya reported that "the goons publicly confessed to having been sent by some powerful government officials to carry out the heinous attack."
  • Kenyan politicians are hiring armed thugs for as little as $4 per day, as reported by AFP.
  • President William Ruto acknowledged the growing presence of political gangs and warned that violence could undermine the democratic process.
  • Security analyst Byron Adera said the use of political gangs is not new but appears to be becoming more organized.
  • The Kofi Annan Foundation warned of a high risk of election-related violence ahead of the 2027 polls.

Perspectives

Citizens

Citizens like Brian Ongore and Priscilla Njoroge express fear and call for an end to political violence. Njoroge urged young Kenyans not to allow themselves to be exploited, stating, "I would like to tell the goons who are being misused not to play with the peace we have because violence destroys everything. The losses are much greater."

Government and Politicians

Politicians and police insist they want to stamp out 'goonism,' and President Ruto has acknowledged the issue, warning that violence could undermine democracy. However, analysts suggest the practice is deeply entrenched on all sides.

Analysts

Security analyst Byron Adera notes that the use of political gangs is not new but appears to be becoming more organized, indicating a systemic challenge that may require more than rhetorical condemnation.

Human Rights Organizations

Amnesty International Kenya has reported that some individuals involved in attacks have confessed to being sent by government officials, raising concerns about the state's role in such violence.

International Observers

The Kofi Annan Foundation has warned of a high risk of election-related violence ahead of the 2027 polls, adding an international dimension to the domestic concerns.