Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.

The country has recently experienced a wave of protests, with youths taking to the streets to demand accountability and reforms within the police sector.

The demonstrations intensified following the murder of blogger Albert Ojwang at the Nairobi Central Police Station, sparking nationwide outrage, disruption of businesses, and injuries to several protesters.

Amid the protests, reports emerged of individuals allegedly hired to protect businesses and confront demonstrators, often referred to as 'goons.'

However, former Mungiki leader Ndura Waruinge has challenged this characterisation, urging Kenyans to rethink the labels assigned to these youths.

Speaking on the issue during an interview with Citizen TV on Saturday, June 21, Waruinge argued that the so-called goons are products of systemic neglect and societal failures.

"Let’s not call these people goons. They are Kenyan citizens operating in a system that has denied them their rights. These people exist because of the weaponisation of ignorance. Someone is simply taking advantage of their deprivation to push a particular agenda. What we call goonism grows like a baby—it’s a system that, if not guided in the right direction, expands and becomes dangerously uncontrollable," he said.

Waruinge reflected on his own past within the Mungiki movement, explaining that he initially joined in pursuit of a suppressed goal but later realised the need for change.

"When I realised the path I was on was not helping me, I went back to church and founded a movement that now creates jobs and meaningful activities for young people."

Now an apostle, he called for a proactive approach in engaging the youth, suggesting that national leaders, pastors, and civil society should organise seminars to educate and empower them.

"We must guide these young people. You can demonstrate peacefully, as has been seen in many other countries, without violent confrontations or the use of tear gas."

His comments come as calls grow to address criminal elements that infiltrated the recent protests in Nairobi, where several demonstrators sustained injuries.

Leaders across the political divide have also urged a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure accountability and prevent further violence.

Source: TUKO.co.ke