Nzai condemns goonism, calls for political tolerance and peaceful politics

Political leaders have stepped up calls for an end to goonism and politically sponsored violence, warning that the growing culture of intimidation risks undermining Kenya’s democratic gains and damaging the economy as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.

Mombasa politician Karisa Nzai and Eldas MP Adan Keynan have separately condemned political violence, urging young people to reject being used to cause chaos and calling on security agencies to deal firmly with perpetrators regardless of their political affiliations.

Nzai, who is also a political adviser in the Office of the President, said politics is seasonal and should not be allowed to divide communities.

“Leaders will compete and elections will come and go, but young people should not destroy their future by engaging in political violence,” Nzai said.

Speaking in Jomvu, he urged Coast youth to channel their energy towards education, entrepreneurship, skills development and other empowerment opportunities instead of being used to settle political scores.

“Our youth should not allow themselves to be used as instruments of political conflict. Their energy should be directed towards empowerment, skills development and building a better future,” he said.

Nzai welcomed the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission’s warning against the sponsorship of political chaos and violence, saying political competition should be conducted through democratic institutions and within the law.

He also called on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission to take firm action against politicians whose remarks could incite hatred or violence among communities.

Nzai said leaders found culpable of hate speech and incitement should be held accountable under the law.

He urged Coast residents, particularly young people, to remain vigilant against political incitement, arguing that peace and stability were important for attracting investment, creating jobs and accelerating development in the region.

The politician also linked the issue to the Coast’s political and economic fortunes, arguing that for decades, the region had lagged behind because of what he described as prolonged political marginalisation.

He urged Coast political leaders to support President William Ruto’s re-election bid in the 2027 General Election, arguing that the administration had invested in the region, particularly in infrastructure and efforts to address long-standing land ownership disputes.

In Eldas, Keynan issued a broader warning about the consequences of political violence, saying the reported use of intimidation and disorder in political engagements risked undermining Kenya’s democratic institutions, security and economy.

The veteran legislator called on security agencies to act swiftly, professionally and impartially against individuals involved in political violence, regardless of their political affiliation or status.

“Security agencies must move with speed, resolve and impartiality to investigate, identify, apprehend and bring to justice those responsible for this criminality,” Keynan said.

He warned that failure to confront political violence could discourage investors, affect tourism and erode public confidence in security institutions.

“Goonism is steadily eroding the stature, dignity and treasured identity of our nation as a premier investment hub and tourism destination on the global stage,” he said.

“This ugly resurgence of lawlessness, intimidation and disorder poses a serious threat to our national image, economic prospects and the sense of security that Kenyans and tourists alike deserve,” he added.

The leaders' remarks come against the backdrop of violent incidents reported during political activities across the country in recent months, including disturbances during the Linda Mwananchi political mobilisation tour in Homa Bay on August 16.

The Homa Bay clashes involved road blockades, burning tyres, attacks and confrontations along the route of the opposition-led campaign convoy.

The incident resulted in deaths and injuries, including the reported death of a police officer who was struck on the head by a stone while returning from a security deployment.

A Ugandan businesswoman also died after reportedly being hit by a vehicle amid the chaos, while dozens of people, including police officers, sustained injuries.

Police subsequently arrested several suspects in connection with the violence, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the clashes continue.

Keynan said Kenya could not afford to normalise political violence.

“Violence has no place in modern-day Kenya, and we must all stand to be counted and say no to it,” he said.

The Eldas MP also warned politicians against treating violence as a political strategy, saying the country was bigger than individual leaders, political parties and electoral ambitions.

Last Thursday, Keynan made a similar intervention in Parliament, urging political leaders to put national interests above partisan considerations.

He defended constitutionalism and the rule of law, saying Kenya’s unity and sovereignty depended on respect for the law.

“Mr Speaker, there comes a time when we must side with the nation and the State of the Republic of Kenya,” Keynan said.

He also urged investigators to pursue perpetrators without fear or favour.

“I also want to appeal to those in charge of the criminal investigation system to investigate and arrest the perpetrators, regardless of their position, and bring everybody under the rule of law,” he told Parliament.

President William Ruto has also repeatedly spoken against political goonism and violence, warning that criminal elements should not be allowed to hijack political activities.

INSTANT ANALYSIS

As the 2027 election approaches, the warnings from Nzai and Keynan underline growing concern over the potential use of violence and young people as instruments of political mobilisation. The challenge for political leaders and security agencies will be to ensure that competition remains peaceful and that those responsible for violence are held accountable without regard to their political connections.