The South Nyanza Catholic Church Diocese of Homa Bay Bsp Michael Odiwa with Homa Bay County Commissioner Ronald Mwiwawi during a thanksgiving ceremony in Homa Bay town/Robert Omollo
Politicians should stop glorifying goonism, which is becoming rampant in some Nyanza counties ahead of the 2027 General Election, Homa Bay County Commissioner Ronald Mwiwawi has said.
Mwiwawi argued that security officers are making efforts to curb the trend in which youths are allegedly hired by politicians to disrupt peace during public functions and political rallies.
He said the practice is increasingly taking centre stage in some Nyanza counties as the country gears up for the General Election.
Homa Bay is among the counties in the Nyanza region that has come under the spotlight over the alleged misuse of youths to cause chaos during political gatherings.
Such incidents have resulted in injuries and the destruction of public property.
Mwiwawi said investigations indicate that, in many cases, youths involved in disrupting political events are allegedly hired by politicians.
“Let politicians stop glorifying goonism among our youths. They should instead support the efforts security officers are making to deal with the vice,” Mwiwawi said.
Speaking during this year’s thanksgiving service for uniformed disciplined services in the Southern Nyanza region at St Paul’s Catholic Church in Homa Bay Town, the administrator said authorities are committed to ensuring young people are not recruited into such groups.
Reports indicate that a lack of employment opportunities is among the factors pushing some youths into such activities.
Youths are reportedly paid small amounts of money, ranging from Sh200 to Sh500, to cause chaos and disrupt meetings organised by politicians perceived to be opponents of those who allegedly hire them.
The county commissioner warned politicians who may still be supporting such behaviour.
He urged society to denounce acts of goonism.
“Those leaders who are behind recruiting youths into goonism should watch this space because their days are numbered. We want a country where patriotism, love and peace are the driving forces,” he said.
According to Mwiwawi, security officers also face threats and intimidation as they work to protect innocent Kenyans whose rights are violated.
He said police officers operate in difficult situations and require support from the communities they serve.
The prayer service was led by Homa Bay Catholic Diocese Bishop Michael Odiwa.
Southern Nyanza comprises Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii and Nyamira counties.
“Most of the time, we remind officers to remain resilient and committed to their work. We always pray that vulnerability will not lead them into temptation; therefore, they need support,” the county commissioner said.
Odiwa called on leaders and youths to respect the Constitution and uphold the rule of law.
He said police officers play a significant role in the country and deserve support from all Kenyans.
The cleric also linked the frequent fire outbreaks in schools to rising indiscipline among students.
He criticised politicians who surround themselves with goons, saying they set a poor example for young people.
“We should not lose our country to people who have refused to obey the rule of law. Bad leaders should not protect their wrongdoing by keeping goons around them,” Odiwa said.
The clergy also warned youths against using poverty as a justification for engaging in criminal activities.
He further called for the protection of the environment to ensure continued crop production.
“We must respect and conserve the natural resources we have. The Earth is the only planet that supports human life; hence, we need to protect it,” he said.
