𝐎𝐃𝐌 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐜𝐭 𝐀𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐬

By Ben Okweingoti 

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) youth leaders in Kilifi County have raised alarm over the growing use of politically sponsored goons, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to peace, security and democratic participation as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during a press briefing, ODM Youth Secretary Naftali Omondi and People's Watchman Joseph Chipa accused politicians across the political divide of exploiting vulnerable young people by arming and financing them to disrupt political gatherings and intimidate opponents.

Omondi said the increasing militarization of youth for political purposes was dangerous and could eventually give rise to organized criminal groups and militias.

He cited a recent incident in Ganda Ward where, he alleged, politicians allied to the broad-based government mobilized armed youth to disrupt meetings organized by their political rivals despite both groups supporting President William Ruto's political camp.

"Militarizing our youth in the presence of the police is a very unfortunate position that needs to stop because the armed youth will one day turn into militias and harass Kenyans. Using goons to disrupt meetings will not propel the leaders behind them to power," Omondi said.

Chipa appealed directly to young people to reject attempts by politicians to recruit them into violent activities in exchange for money, urging them to think beyond short-term financial gains.

"The youth need to look at the bigger picture and should not allow themselves to become pawns in political games. Once politicians achieve their objectives, they abandon the very young people they used. Many youths are languishing in jail facing serious criminal charges while those who incited them continue with their lives as if nothing happened," he said.

Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo also condemned the rising cases of political violence, saying the continued use of goons threatens national security and could undermine peaceful campaigns ahead of the next General Election.

The senator criticized the conduct of the National Police Service, accusing officers of failing to act against groups involved in political violence. He called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to take decisive action to curb the trend.

"I don't think it is fair for the Inspector General to allow police officers to stand by as goons unleash violence on Kenyans without taking action. If that continues, he must be held responsible. I am calling upon my brother, Interior CS Murkomen, and the Inspector General to bring this goonism to an end," Madzayo said.

While acknowledging Murkomen's capability as Interior Cabinet Secretary, the senator said the ministry had fallen short in addressing the growing insecurity linked to politically sponsored violence.

"I know Murkomen is a very capable CS, but on this issue he has performed poorly. Some of the statements coming from him are so loose that one wonders whether they should come from the Cabinet Secretary responsible for Interior," he added.

The leaders further challenged politicians to shift their focus from sponsoring violence to investing in development programmes and creating employment opportunities for young people, arguing that meaningful economic empowerment remains the best way to shield youth from political exploitation.