Political violence should no longer be treated as an unavoidable part of Kenya’s elections, Advocate of the High Court Wahome Thuku has said, calling for those who organise, fund and deploy goons to be pursued instead of focusing only on people found at scenes of violence.
Speaking on Radio Generation on Tuesday, Thuku said political goonism had been part of Kenya’s political history for decades and was not linked to one side of the political divide. He said the practice had appeared under different governments and during the multiparty era, with both government and opposition actors capable of using groups to target political rivals.
“Goonism or political violence is not that new. Maybe we make it look so new. But it’s not,” Thuku said.
He argued that political violence could be carried out by people in government, tolerated by authorities or organised by opposition figures against the government or rival groups within the opposition.
“Goonism is not one directional,” he said. “It can be perpetuated by the government or persons in government, and or it allowed by the government, and it can also originate from the opposition figures towards the government or towards themselves.”
Thuku said the government should also be held responsible when it fails to prevent violence, particularly where security agencies are aware of confrontations between rival political groups but do not take action.
“When people are killed, like it happened here, you ask yourself, where was the government?” he said.
The lawyer further warned that political goons could be used for purposes other than directly disrupting meetings. He said one group could be sent to cause trouble at a rival’s event with the intention of making the targeted politician appear responsible for the violence.
“At times I may send goons to your meeting, not because I want to disrupt what you are doing, but I want you to be blamed for it,” he said.
According to Thuku, such tactics could be planned in a way that shifts public blame to a political opponent, especially where that rival is seen as having a reason to benefit from the disruption.
He said Kenya should have moved beyond the use of violence to settle political disagreements, noting that the Constitution provides ways of dealing with political disputes and other conflicts.
“We ought to have gone past this,” Thuku said. “Whatever crises, whatever differences, they can be sorted out very clearly by this constitution that we have.”
Thuku called for a wider investigation into political violence, saying authorities should identify not only those who take part in attacks but also the people who organise and finance them.
He also raised concerns over the public debate surrounding the role of police at political gatherings. According to the lawyer, Kenyans can criticise security officers when they attend political events but also question their absence when violence breaks out.
His comments come as political mobilisation increases ahead of the 2027 General Election, with concerns over goonism and violence once again drawing attention.
Recent clashes and disruptions at political rallies have also raised questions about the responsibility of security agencies, political parties and organised youth groups in keeping political events peaceful.
Thuku said Kenyans should take a firm and common position against political violence and demand action against those responsible regardless of their political allegiance.