Clergy, political leaders warn of rising hooliganism

A growing wave of political hooliganism across the country has sparked rage among religious leaders and politicians, who now warn that unchecked violence could push Kenya towards instability as the 2027 General Election draws closer.

From disrupted political rallies to violent attacks on leaders and chaotic scenes at funerals, a pattern is emerging, one that clergy say threatens the country’s democratic fabric and social cohesion.

The latest incident in Kikuyu Constituency, where goons stormed and disrupted a political rally on Saturday and a voter drive has intensified concerns over the normalisation of violence in public engagements.

Similar scenes have played out in other parts of the country, pointing to what leaders describe as a coordinated and dangerous trend.

Hudson Ndeda of the Church and Clergy Association of Kenya condemned the rise of organised groups being used to intimidate opponents.

“We are gravely concerned that the mushrooming culture of goonism is undermining the integrity of leadership in this country. If left unchecked, this trend risks plunging the nation into chaos—even civil strife,” said Bishop Ndeda.

He singled out the recent assault on Godfrey Osotsi in a busy shopping mall as a disturbing escalation. The senator was attacked in broad daylight, with little intervention from bystanders.

“Is this the country we want, where a leader can be mercilessly beaten and people watch helplessly?” Ndeda posed, urging the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to go beyond arrests of a few suspects and dismantle the wider networks behind such violence.

In Kakamega County, a funeral turned chaotic when rival political factions clashed, allegedly deploying armed youths. The burial of a local leader in Ikolomani degenerated into confrontation, exposing how even solemn events are increasingly politicised.

Governor Fernandes Barasa condemned the incident, calling for accountability.
“We don’t want leaders to politicise funerals. Security agencies must investigate and bring those responsible to book,” he said.

Governor Barasa urged security agencies to act decisively, while Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali called for an end to the use of goons to silence opponents.

“What happened must stop. Leaders should respect each other and allow peaceful engagement,” Shinali said.

But Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda defended her supporters, claiming they were acting in self-defence.
“We saw goons hovering and intimidating people. My people were only protecting themselves,” she said.

Elsewhere, in Kitale, reports of attacks on youth have further deepened fears that young people are increasingly being drawn into politically instigated violence.

Rev. Kenneth Adiara, General Superintendent of Pentecostal Assemblies of God -Kenya, warned that politicians are exploiting unemployed youth as tools of chaos.

“We want to ask our political leaders to stop using young people to perpetrate violence. Responsible citizenship requires respect for the rule of law,” said Rev. Adiara.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula also raised concern, warning that rising political violence could erode public confidence in democracy.

“The increasing incidents of political violence and intimidation must not be tolerated. They undermine constitutional freedoms and create fear among citizens,” he said while speaking in Kapenguria.

He called for restraint, accountability, and a return to civility in public discourse amongst both elected and aspiring leaders.

“The culture of goonism has no place in a democratic society. Every Kenyan must feel safe to participate in political processes without fear,” Wetang’ula emphasised.

His sentiments were echoed by Catholic Bishop Emeritus Maurice Crowley, who blamed politicians for sponsoring disruptive groups.

“I challenge politicians to stop goonism and the politics of insults and division if they truly love this country,” he said.

“Instead of mourning, leaders turned the platform into a battleground of insults. This is the example being set for the youth.”

The leaders further pointed to rising intolerance among political leaders, citing recent public confrontations, including a tense exchange between President William Samoei Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at a funeral in Nyandarua.

Leaders warned that such conduct is fueling a culture of disrespect and normalising aggression among young people who often emulate political figures.