NAIROBI, Kenya- Lawyer Donald Kipkorir has warned against the use of armed groups and political gangs, saying the practice threatens democratic institutions and could damage Kenya’s stability if left unchecked.
Kipkorir’s remarks come after the chaos witnessed during the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election in Nyandarua County, where armed, masked men travelling in SUVs disrupted parts of the voting exercise, attacked journalists and caused panic among residents.
Two people died after the attacks, attributed to the group.
Some of the men are serving police officers according to investigations done by media and witnesses account.
Reports from rights groups and media organisations indicated that the men, some travelling in Toyota Prado and other unmarked vehicles, were armed and used tear gas during confrontations at polling stations.
Journalists covering the election were among those attacked, with some losing equipment during the incidents.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) documented violence, including attacks on residents and journalists, and called for investigations into the events surrounding the by-election.
In a post on X, Kipkorir argued that the use of goons for political advantage may provide short-term gains but eventually weakens national institutions.
“Using goons may give short-term political excitement but in the medium term, it erodes the national fabric and in the long term, destroys the country,” Kipkorir said.
He compared the consequences of political violence and state instability to challenges experienced in countries including Haiti, Somalia, Liberia, Sudan, South Sudan, Iraq, Libya and Afghanistan.
“Goonism is terrorism. There is no time limitation in law. One day, we will bring all to justice: the financiers, the sponsors, the enablers and the goons themselves,” he stated.
Kipkorir called for accountability against individuals who finance, organise or facilitate political violence, including those who participate directly.
“We must bring to account every politician who has used goons. And also arrest the goons whether they are policemen hiding in civilian clothes or jobless youth hired,” he said.
Despite the available evidence as documented by the media, police are yet to question or arrest any suspect involved in the Ol Kalou mayhem.
Both President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen’s directives remain hollow, as no action has been taken by police.
The opposition has accused the government of shielding goons, often used to disrupt and attack their rallies.