ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale has called on young people to reject political violence and urged leaders to stop recruiting and financing youths to cause chaos, warning that the growing culture of "goonism" was becoming a serious threat to Kenya's stability.
Speaking on Radio Generation on Monday, Etale said the problem was no longer the responsibility of one side of the political divide but of every Kenyan.
"The spread of goonism in the country today is worrying," he said. "I'm disappointed, not by the government, not by the opposition, but by everyone, because it's the responsibility of every citizen of this country to ensure that they are safe. Safety begins with you and I."
He blamed politicians for exploiting unemployed youth with cash handouts to disrupt political activities instead of helping them build productive lives.
"If we decided that we should stop giving handouts to young people to cause mayhem and choose to use them positively, I think this country would be a better place," Etale said. "The majority of them have been to school, but because they do not have jobs, they resort to being given handouts to go and cause mayhem. That one should stop."
Etale also shifted part of the responsibility to county governments, arguing that devolved administrations had failed to create meaningful opportunities for young people.
"This is not a national government issue, in my opinion. This is a county situation," he said. "What do county governments in this country do to ensure that their youth are meaningfully engaged?"
According to Etale, some politicians maintained groups of unemployed youths whom they could easily mobilise to intimidate rivals for small payments.
"They'll do it just for a few pieces of silver," he said, warning that such practices were putting young lives at risk.
He urged young people to think beyond immediate financial rewards and consider the long-term consequences of engaging in violence.
"The youth are the pillars of the nation, but you cannot be the destroyers of the nation just for a few coins of silver," he said. "Let us put our brains and energies into good use."
His remarks follow concerns over politically linked violence as the country moved closer to the 2027 General election.
Recent incidents have seen politicians accused of hiring groups of youths to disrupt public events, protests and political meetings, prompting calls for accountability from security agencies and civil society.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen recently warned politicians against sponsoring criminal gangs to advance political interests, saying those found culpable would face legal action.
Similar concerns have also been raised by regional security officials, who warned that unemployed youths were increasingly being exploited for political violence as the country edged closer to the next election.