NAIROBI, Kenya – Kasarani Member of Parliament Ronald Karauri has pledged to tackle political goonism and crime in Nairobi if elected governor in the 2027 General Election, promising to push for accountability for politicians who allegedly exploit unemployed youth to disrupt political meetings.
Karauri said political violence tends to increase as elections approach, with some politicians allegedly recruiting young people facing economic hardship to intimidate opponents and interfere with public gatherings.
Speaking during a podcast interview on Thursday, October 8, 2026, the legislator argued that failing to hold those involved accountable creates a culture of impunity.
“Violence starts coming up when elections are coming around. It’s because many of the politicians are using some of our young people, now again, as a consequence of not having jobs, to now maybe disrupt other people’s meetings,” Karauri said.
He maintained that anyone who uses young people to commit crimes during political gatherings should face the law, regardless of their political connections.
“If people are using our young people to commit crimes when political gatherings is happening or for whatever reason, because what happens when they do that, then you build impunity in them,” he said.
Karauri Calls For Accountability Over Political Violence
The Kasarani MP said some individuals who block roads or engage in criminal activities may believe they are protected because of their links to influential politicians.
He argued that consistent enforcement of the law would help deter political violence and discourage the recruitment of young people into criminal activities.
However, Karauri acknowledged that national government agencies would play a central role in enforcing criminal law, given that policing is primarily a national government function.
The Nairobi governorship, which he is seeking, oversees county services and administration, meaning efforts to tackle organised crime would require cooperation with national security agencies.
MP Addresses Viral Nairobi Expressway Incident
Karauri also revisited a viral incident involving his vehicle on the Nairobi Expressway, which sparked public concern after videos circulated online showing young men around the car.
The footage prompted speculation that the individuals may have been involved in a robbery.
Karauri said he initially did not consider the incident serious because, in his view, no crime had occurred.
He added that he eventually addressed the matter publicly after the discussion spread beyond his personal circle and attracted the attention of senior government officials.
The MP cautioned against automatically labelling the young men involved as goons simply because they were present at the scene.
“A goon is someone who commits a criminal offence,” he said.
His remarks underscored his argument that young people should not be branded criminals without evidence of wrongdoing, even as he called for firm action against those who commit offences.
Karauri Proposes Recycling Plants To Address Garbage
Beyond security, Karauri identified poor waste management as another challenge he would prioritise if elected governor.
He proposed establishing recycling plants to improve waste management and reduce the accumulation of rubbish across Nairobi.
The proposal places waste collection, recycling infrastructure and cleaner neighbourhoods among the issues likely to feature in the 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial contest.
However, implementing such a plan would require funding, suitable locations for recycling facilities and effective systems for collecting and sorting waste.
Youth Unemployment At Centre Of Goonism Debate
Karauri linked the recruitment of young people into political violence to unemployment and economic hardship, arguing that politicians take advantage of their vulnerability to advance political interests.
His proposed approach combines law enforcement and accountability with the broader challenge of creating opportunities for young people.
The pledges come as political mobilisation intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election, with concerns over organised violence and disruption of political gatherings drawing national attention.
His proposals place public safety, youth unemployment and garbage management at the centre of his pitch to Nairobi voters ahead of the election.
