KISUMU, Kenya — Kisumu County has banned the use of private security personnel at political rallies as part of a comprehensive six-point security plan aimed at tackling goonism, dismantling criminal networks and enhancing public safety.
The directive was announced on Wednesday after a Joint County Security Committee meeting co-chaired by Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o and County Commissioner Ramadhan Mwabudzo. The meeting brought together national and county security agencies to address emerging security challenges and strengthen law enforcement coordination.
County Commissioner Mwabudzo said the county has sufficient police officers to provide security at political gatherings, eliminating the need for leaders to hire private security personnel.
“We’ve already had two to three functions without any goons, and they were successful. We’re looking forward to formal agreements with all the leaders where we will no longer need the services of the goons. Kisumu County has enough security which can be provided at the request of the leaders at all times,” Mwabudzo said.
He urged politicians and event organisers to notify security agencies in advance to facilitate adequate police deployment during public meetings.
Nyong’o Backs Move
Governor Nyong’o welcomed the decision, arguing that the use of private security at political events has, in some cases, contributed to the rise of organised groups accused of intimidating members of the public.
He cited a recent public meeting in Kirembe that proceeded peacefully without the presence of private security or suspected goons.
“We had a meeting in Kirembe, which is one of the biggest that I’ve attended. There were no goons, nobody was harassed, and people came. If the goons were there that day, they moved the title and became citizens. Let us have confidence in ourselves that we can educate citizens like you and me,” the governor said.
Six-Point Security Plan
The Joint County Security Committee also unveiled a six-point action plan designed to strengthen security and restore public confidence.
The measures include:
- A crackdown on criminal gangs operating under the guise of providing security at public events.
- Joint security operations targeting criminal elements within the matatu sector.
- Installation of floodlights and high-definition CCTV cameras in security hotspots across the county.
- Reactivation of the Kisumu County Rapid Response Team to improve emergency response.
- Establishment of village and neighbourhood security committees to enhance community policing and intelligence gathering.
- Closer collaboration between national and county governments to prevent crime and improve public safety.
The strategy forms part of broader efforts to address insecurity while safeguarding constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and political participation.
Public Urged to Support Security Agencies
Mwabudzo called on residents to work closely with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities, describing security as a collective responsibility.
“Security is a shared responsibility. We call upon members of the public to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities promptly and support our security officers as we work together to make Kisumu safer for everyone,” he said.
He added that the coordinated operations are intended to dismantle organised criminal networks, protect businesses and residents, and create a secure environment that supports investment and economic growth.
Push to Restore Order
The latest measures come amid growing national concern over the use of organised groups to disrupt political events and intimidate opponents. Security agencies have increasingly warned against criminal elements masquerading as political supporters or private security personnel.
Under the Constitution of Kenya, the National Police Service is mandated to maintain law and order, preserve peace, and protect life and property. The Kisumu security plan seeks to reinforce that constitutional role by ensuring police remain the primary providers of security at public gatherings.
County leaders expressed optimism that the new framework will promote peaceful political engagement while reducing incidents of violence and intimidation ahead of future public events.