Archbishop Kimengich warns of rising use of goons in politics

Archbishop Dominic Kimengich with Catholic sisters after a mass in Eldoret

Newly appointed Coadjutor (Assistant) Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Mombasa, Dominic Kimengich, has warned of a worrying and growing culture of using goons in politics ahead of next year’s general elections.

Archbishop Kimengich expressed concern that, in many cases, the goons are allegedly being protected and allowed to operate alongside the police, posing a serious security threat to Kenyans.

The clergyman said the situation, where goons have infiltrated security agencies, is of grave concern and warned that the country risks sliding into anarchy if the government and police fail to dismantle political gangs operating across the country.

Kimengich accused the government of turning a blind eye to the existence of goons, saying the groups are growing stronger by the day.

“We are now faced with a worrying threat caused by goons being hired by politicians and operating with impunity, yet no one is acting against the situation,” he said.

He added that the security situation in the country is increasingly alarming, noting that goons are being misused by politicians for various activities, including raiding churches and assaulting worshippers.

“We cannot have a country where security is in the hands of gangs or goons who have been left to operate freely, yet we have a government in place,” Kimengich said.

He said the level of impunity had reached unacceptable levels and questioned why police were not arresting and prosecuting the goons.

“People are now doing whatever they want, and the country is facing imminent collapse, yet we have security agencies that are supposed to act. We cannot allow such impunity to thrive and destroy this country,” he said.

The Archbishop warned that politics should not degenerate into violent confrontations that threaten lives, saying violence is not a sign of political maturity but an abdication of leadership responsibility.

“As citizens, we are left wondering why the government is not concerned, yet it is supposed to protect all Kenyans. It is terrible that goons even have the audacity to disrupt church services in the presence of the police,” he said.

Kimengich said the situation portrays the government in a bad light, giving the impression that it is unable to control insecurity.

“Time has come for all of us to take a stand and protect the future of our country, which is now at risk of collapse,” he said.

He made the remarks at his office in Eldoret as he prepared to leave the region to take up his new role in Mombasa.

Last week, Kimengich welcomed and accepted his appointment by Pope Leo XIV as Coadjutor Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa, where he will serve under Archbishop Martin Kivuva and eventually succeed him upon retirement.

“My duty is to ask for prayers as I take up this new assignment in Mombasa,” he said, thanking the people of Eldoret for their support during his tenure.

His appointment was officially announced on January 28, 2026, marking a significant pastoral transition for the Archdiocese of Mombasa.