For decades, hired gangs, commonly referred to as ‘goons’, have been a recurring feature of Kenya's political landscape, often surfacing during election campaigns, political rallies and party disputes.
They were typically associated with disrupting opponents' meetings, 'escorting' politicians, intimidating rival supporters or triggering chaos at campaign events before disappearing once the political season ends.
While their presence has long been acknowledged, it was often viewed as an unfortunate but episodic aspect of the country's fiercely competitive politics.
In recent months, however, the role of these groups appears to have evolved.
Reports of organised gangs disrupting public events, attacking demonstrators and targeting perceived government critics have become more frequent, raising concerns among political observers, religious leaders and human rights organisations that political violence is no longer confined to election periods.
The issue has attracted renewed national attention following a series of violent incidents in which unidentified groups armed with crude weapons have confronted protesters, disrupted public gatherings and clashed with civilians.
Some of the encounters have resulted in deaths, injuries and destruction of property, prompting renewed debate over who finances the groups, who deploys them and why they often appear at politically sensitive events.
What has particularly alarmed many Kenyans is the apparent expansion of the spaces where such gangs operate.
Whereas political violence was once largely confined to campaign rallies, hired gangs are now increasingly being reported at peaceful demonstrations, public participation forums, official government events and even church services.
A string of recent incidents has brought the issue into sharper focus.
In June, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's church service in Nyeri was disrupted after groups of youths allegedly attempted to force their way into the venue, sparking confrontations that heightened political tensions.
Days later, a public participation forum on the national budget at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi descended into chaos when suspected goons stormed the meeting, forcing organisers, clergy and participants to flee as security officers struggled to restore order.
Only days ago, East African Legislative Assembly member Kanini Kega was also attacked by a group of youths during a political function, adding to a growing list of leaders who have been targeted at public events.
The incidents have reinforced concerns that organised violence is increasingly being used as a tool to intimidate political opponents, silence critics and discourage citizens from participating in democratic processes guaranteed under the constitution.
Human rights activist and Vocal Africa executive director Hussein Khalid believes the growing reliance on hired gangs poses one of the greatest threats to Kenya's democratic space.
"Goons are hired to disrupt peaceful demonstrations, instill fear and ultimately deter Kenyans from protesting," Khalid said.
He warned that the increasing use of such groups has contributed to a shrinking civic space, where violence or even the threat of violence discourages citizens from exercising their constitutional rights.
"The use of goons to attack peaceful protesters is an assault on the constitution. Every Kenyan has the right to assemble, demonstrate and picket peacefully without fear of violence," he said.
Khalid argued that the growing normalisation of political violence risks eroding the rule of law.
"When criminal gangs are allowed to police public spaces or silence dissent, the rule of law is replaced by the rule of fear. That is dangerous for any democracy."
Although the recent attacks have renewed public outrage, analysts say the emergence of political goonism is not a recent phenomenon.
Its roots stretch back to the era of one-party rule in the 1990s when politicians increasingly relied on organised youth groups to mobilise supporters, intimidate rivals and influence political outcomes.
The practice gained national prominence during the period of the Youth for Kanu '92, a political mobilisation outfit that became synonymous with aggressive campaigning, patronage politics and allegations of voter manipulation.
Over the years, the tactic gradually evolved into an informal political economy where unemployed youth could be mobilised at short notice to provide security, disrupt rival meetings or intimidate perceived opponents in exchange for cash payments.
Today, Kenya's persistently high youth unemployment has made the problem even more complex.
Thousands of young people leave schools and colleges every year to find a labour market with limited employment opportunities.
In many informal settlements, political mobilisation has become a source of income for desperate youth willing to accept small payments to participate in demonstrations or disrupt public gatherings.
Security analysts say many of the groups begin as neighbourhood youth associations before being co-opted by political actors seeking loyal foot soldiers.
Recruitment is often done through trusted intermediaries rather than digital platforms, with members instructed to assemble at designated locations, wear similar clothing, conceal their identities and receive cash payments after assignments.
Religious leaders say the trend threatens not only democracy but also the sanctity of institutions traditionally viewed as neutral spaces.
Bishop Hudson Ndeda, the national chairman of the Church and Clergy Association of Kenya, condemned the growing use of hired gangs to disrupt public gatherings and intimidate citizens.
He said churches, peaceful demonstrations and public participation forums should remain safe spaces where Kenyans can express themselves without fear.
"We cannot build a just and peaceful nation when violence becomes an acceptable way of settling political differences.
“Every Kenyan has the constitutional right to worship, assemble and express their views peacefully without being threatened by goons," Ndeda told the Star.
The bishop urged political leaders across the divide to reject violence as a political strategy.
"Leadership is about persuasion, not intimidation. Those who finance or mobilise young people to attack fellow citizens are planting seeds of hatred whose consequences will be felt long after today's political contests are over."
He warned that normalising political violence undermines public confidence in democratic institutions and weakens national unity.
Youth leaders have also appealed directly to young people not to allow themselves to be exploited.
UDA national youth leader Kariuki Ngunjiri acknowledged that goonism has become an increasingly visible problem and urged young people to reject recruitment into political violence.
"Short-term financial rewards are not worth the long-term consequences of criminal activity," he said.
Ngunjiri said politicians who hire youths to attack opponents expose them to arrest, injury and sometimes death while those financing the violence escape responsibility.
"Our message to every young Kenyan is simple; do not allow yourself to be used as a goon. No amount of money is worth sacrificing your future, your freedom or your life. Those who pay you to cause chaos will go home safely, but you will be left to face the law and live with the consequences."
He encouraged young people to pursue education, entrepreneurship, innovation and community service instead of accepting handouts to participate in violence.
"When someone offers you some money to throw stones, intimidate fellow citizens or disrupt a peaceful gathering, ask yourself what happens after the money is spent.
“The people financing violence will move on, but your criminal record, injuries or lost opportunities may remain with you for years."
Interestingly, several politicians have publicly admitted that the use of goons cuts across the political divide.
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa sparked controversy after claiming virtually every politician has goons.
"Let nobody cheat you. There is no politician in Kenya who doesn't have goons. Every celebrity, including you, has some goons somewhere, maybe one, two or three," Barasa said during an interview on Obinna Show Live.
While defending what he described as organised security teams, Barasa argued they should not automatically be viewed as criminal gangs.
"Goons are not bad people. Their role is crowd control and personal protection. Nobody can survive without such kind of people."
He nevertheless acknowledged that politicians often condemn violence only when they become victims.
Belgut MP Nelson Koech has similarly argued that the problem is widespread and should not be politicised.
"We are all protected by goons, and that is why I am saying we must also agree as leaders that we must also drop this thing of goons," Koech said during a television interview on Monday.
According to security experts, political gangs remain most active in Nairobi, particularly informal settlements, as well as Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Kakamega and Kilifi, where they are often linked to political mobilisation, extortion and violent confrontations.
The Interior ministry has also spoken against the growing culture of political violence.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has repeatedly warned politicians against exploiting unemployed youth for political gain, describing the practice as a long-standing national challenge.
Speaking during a consultative meeting with boda boda operators and sector leaders in Vihiga county, Omollo appealed directly to young people to reject involvement in politically sponsored violence.
"No political interest is worth risking your life, your livelihood or your future. If there is a leader you support, support them peacefully.
“If there is a leader you do not support, continue with your work and your daily activities. Do not allow yourself to be used to commit acts of violence," he said.
As Kenya moves closer to the 2027 general election, concerns are growing that unless political leaders collectively reject the use of hired gangs and law enforcement agencies consistently hold organisers and financiers accountable, goonism could become even more entrenched in the country's political culture.
