Kenya battles an alarming increase in politically motivated violence. Senator Godfrey Osotsi was recently attacked in Kisumu by hooded youths. They punched and kicked him, stealing his belongings. The attack was captured on CCTV. Senator Osotsi stated it was not a robbery. He alleged it was politically motivated. Attackers questioned his support for the president's re-election bid. This incident has caused national outcry. It has forced parliament to summon top security chiefs. Many Kenyans feel the country is sliding back to political violence.
This violence echoes Kenya's past. Politically sponsored criminal gangs emerged in the early 1990s. Unemployed youth were hired by politicians. They became tools for electoral intimidation. These gangs significantly fueled unrest after the 2007 election. Around 1,500 people died then. The current political climate is tense. The next national vote is about 15 months away. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua plans a presidential run. He holds a grudge over his 2024 impeachment. A major party is also openly split. These factors heighten political tensions. Attacks by hired youths, known as 'goons', are becoming bolder.
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen admitted challenges. He told a parliamentary committee the government struggles to control these groups. They have evolved from street gangs to sophisticated networks. Murkomen stated over 104 local criminal gangs are active. Many receive patronage from politicians. He acknowledged irresponsible leaders threaten national security. He did not name specific politicians. Authorities have arrested about 300 suspects. They intensified a crackdown on criminal groups. Police recovered weapons and communication devices. No politicians were among those arrested. Governments have tried banning these groups before. However, the problem persists. Gangs mutate, rebrand, and reappear. They have developed into organised groups with clear structures.
Senator Godfrey Osotsi's attack is a key example. He was allegedly targeted for political reasons. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has also faced violence. Since his impeachment, he has been attacked multiple times by armed groups. He and his allies blame state-sponsored criminal networks. They believe these networks aim to disrupt his presidential bid. Opposition leaders and civil society groups accuse police. They say police collude with or ignore organised gangs. These gangs carry crude weapons to rallies. Violence often happens in the presence of police. The political landscape shifted after Raila Odinga's death last October. His ODM party split into two factions. They disagree on supporting President William Ruto.
A 28-year-old man was shot dead in February. Police clashed with supporters of the anti-Ruto faction then. The group condemned what they called "state-sponsored acts of violence". Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura denied state sponsorship. He stated the use of criminal gangs undermines democracy. He vowed accountability for anyone financing or supporting such acts. Violence also targets pro-government figures. A senatorial aspirant aligned to the ruling Kenya Kwanza was attacked. A group stormed a church service in Kakamega and removed her. By-elections last November were marred by violence. Polling agents were attacked. Armed groups clashed during vote counting. Police used tear gas on voters. Security analyst Robert Chege noted this trend. He described a country where rivalry spills into organised street violence. Hired gangs operate with precision and impunity. Observers warn that cumulative incidents paint a grim picture. Kenya risks falling into an abyss it has navigated before.