Young Aspirants Movement (YAM) Chairperson Osteen Peter Ngui. Photo/Sammy Kimatu
BY SAMMY KIMATU
The government has been put on notice over the growing use of political goons, with fears that unchecked violence could plunge the country into chaos ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Young Aspirants Movement (YAM) chairman Osteen Peter Ngui has called on the government to move swiftly against individuals accused of organising and deploying goons to disrupt political meetings and intimidate Kenyans.
Speaking during a meeting at a Nairobi city hotel, Ngui said rising incidents of political violence should be treated as an early warning ahead of the next General Election.
He said political gatherings in some parts of the country had increasingly come under attack by suspected goons, putting the lives and property of innocent Kenyans at risk.
“In some incidents, we have witnessed goons disrupting political gatherings and attacking members of the public attending political rallies,” Ngui said.
He warned that failure to confront political violence now could have devastating consequences as the country enters the 2027 election period.
Warning against repeat of 2007-2008
Ngui invoked painful memories of the 2007-2008 post-election violence, warning that Kenya must not wait until violence escalates before taking action.
“If goonism is not stopped now, Kenya might go beyond what we witnessed in 2007-2008. That period could look like an example of what we can expect in 2027 if the current situation is not addressed,” he said.
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The YAM chairman challenged Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to demonstrate leadership by cracking down on groups and individuals involved in political violence.
He said those who finance, organise or facilitate the activities of goons should be identified and held accountable regardless of their political connections or influence.
Ngui accused political actors of using goons to create fear within communities and suppress political participation, saying such tactics threatened Kenya’s democratic progress.
“The main agenda of these goons is to create fear among communities. All those behind them should be brought to book. Kenya cannot survive under the current situation of goonism,” he said.
IEBC, Police put on notice
Ngui also turned his attention to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), urging the electoral body to ensure the 2027 elections are conducted transparently and that results are properly verified and accounted for.
He said young Kenyans would demand an electoral process that commands public confidence, warning that any perception of manipulation or lack of transparency could fuel tensions.
“Kenyans are very peaceful until provoked. IEBC must ensure transparency and accountability in 2027 because Kenyans, especially young people, will not accept results that are not transparent and accountable,” he said.
He urged IEBC to strictly adhere to the law when tallying and announcing results, including ensuring that results are properly verified at constituency level.
According to Ngui, the credibility of the electoral process will be central to preventing unnecessary disputes and maintaining peace after the vote.
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He further called on the National Police Service to remain professional, impartial and firm during the election period, saying officers should focus on protecting citizens, their property and the integrity of the voting process.
“During the election period, police officers should defend Kenyans and their property, as Kenyans will be expected to defend their votes through lawful and peaceful means,” he said.
Ngui urged political leaders across the divide to reject violence and discourage their supporters from engaging in intimidation or attacks.
He said young Kenyans should be allowed to participate freely in the country’s political affairs without fear.
With the 2027 elections approaching, Ngui said the government, IEBC, security agencies and political leaders must act early to prevent political violence from becoming the defining feature of the next electoral contest.
He warned that ignoring signs of growing political intolerance could carry a heavy price for a country that has already experienced the devastating consequences of election-related violence.
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