Kenya is grappling with a severe issue of 'goonism' and lawlessness, which has escalated to a point where it can no longer be overlooked. This problem has been met with significant public outrage, leading to the arrest of 300 suspected goons in Nairobi and Kitale. The arrests follow growing concerns about a culture of lawlessness becoming entrenched under the government's watch.

Evidence suggests a disturbing trend where goons have been photographed collaborating with police officers in brutalizing unarmed civilians. The gravity of the situation was further highlighted by CCTV footage from a Kisumu restaurant, which captured young men assaulting Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi while questioning his political stance on the one-term presidency debate. In response to such incidents, the Kenya Human Rights Commission issued a warning, stating that the government's perceived indifference to 'goonism' infringes upon citizens' rights. This perceived reluctance of police officers to act decisively has severely eroded public trust in the National Police Service.

As the country approaches the 2027 elections, there is an urgent need to ensure a level playing field for all political participants. Despite numerous complaints from opposition leaders regarding the rising cases of 'goonism,' these concerns have largely been unaddressed. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Police IG Douglas Kanja, and DCI Mohamed Amin recently appeared before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security to discuss the matter.

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has spoken publicly about the origins of the problem, urging politicians to abandon violent tactics and stressing that upcoming elections must not be associated with fear, intimidation, or the use of goons. He emphasized that the greatest threat to national security comes not from slums or young people, but from leaders who deliberately recruit goons to terrorize ordinary citizens. However, when appearing before MPs, Murkomen apportioned blame to political leaders and a "lenient" criminal justice system for the proliferation of gangs, deflecting responsibility from his role as security minister.

For the problem to be effectively resolved, a decisive prescription is required. The police must take rigorous action to identify and prosecute not only the goons but also the individuals who fund, organize, and deploy them. Arresting only the foot-soldiers while their paymasters watch from a distance will not resolve the issue. As long as those who hire goons are not held accountable and punished, the pervasive problem of 'goonism' will continue to persist.