Leaders Must Stop Using Youth As Political Weapons, Says Nyamu

By Suleiman Mbatiah

Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu has called on political leaders across the political divide to stop recruiting and financing young people to carry out violence and intimidation, warning that the growing culture of political goonism could evolve into a major security threat as the country heads toward the 2027 General Election.

In a statement posted on her official Facebook page, Nyamu said political leaders must take responsibility for ending the use of youths as instruments of violence, arguing that the practice poses dangers not only to those involved but also to the country’s democratic future.

“We joke about goons and sometimes we make light of the issue, but on a serious note, leaders across the political divide must stop using young men as political weapons,” Nyamu said.

The senator’s remarks come amid heightened public concern over the alleged use of organized groups to disrupt political meetings, intimidate opponents and infiltrate demonstrations. Accusations of political sponsorship of gangs have become increasingly common in recent months, with both government and opposition figures trading blame over violent incidents at rallies and public gatherings.

Nyamu acknowledged that her name had recently been linked to allegations involving political goons, particularly following an incident involving blogger Kamau wa Kisumu. However, she dismissed the claims and said available evidence did not support the accusations.

“I know I’ve been linked to goons recently, especially after the Kamau wa Kisumu incident. The facts, however, speak for themselves. The videos he posted show me with women and seven members of my staff after an operation we had been running that morning. But that is not even the point I want to make,” she said.

The senator further defended her record, maintaining that she has never sponsored violence or assigned young people to carry out attacks against political opponents. She also dismissed allegations that individuals linked to her were involved in reversing M-Pesa transactions belonging to Kamau wa Kisumu.

The senator argued that the national conversation should move beyond individual accusations and instead focus on the wider consequences of normalizing political violence and criminal networks. She warned that the growing trend poses a greater threat to society than the allegations currently dominating political debate.

Nyamu warned that the danger of cultivating a goon culture is that it eventually slips beyond the control of those who create it, noting that such groups often shift their allegiance from one politician to another depending on who offers the highest reward. She cautioned that the culture being nurtured today could evolve into a threat that becomes difficult to contain, particularly as the country moves closer to the electioneering period.

Her warning mirrors concerns raised by security experts, civil society groups and religious leaders, who have cautioned that politically sponsored gangs often outlive the interests of their financiers and eventually become independent criminal networks.

Nyamu urged law enforcement agencies to act decisively before the trend becomes deeply entrenched in society, drawing parallels with criminal groups that previously posed major security challenges in parts of the country.

“Just as the Kamjesh and Mungiki cultures were contained, Police must rein in on this growing culture and eliminate political goonism before it becomes entrenched,” she said.

The term “goonism” has become a recurring feature of Kenya’s political discourse over the past year, particularly following violent incidents linked to protests, political mobilization and public events. Human rights organizations have repeatedly expressed concern about the emergence of groups accused of attacking demonstrators, disrupting meetings and intimidating political opponents.

Several incidents have amplified those concerns. In March this year, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi was reportedly assaulted by individuals described by opposition leaders as hired goons during a political function, triggering condemnation from leaders across the political divide and renewed calls for accountability.

Nyamu urged young people not to allow themselves to be exploited for political violence, warning that while politicians often move on from controversial incidents, the youths involved are frequently left to face legal and personal consequences.

“To our youth, do not allow yourselves to be used. The three who are in Industrial Area Remand right now should serve as an example to you. Politicians will move on, but you will be left to face the consequences alone. Your family will bear the pain,” she said.

She noted that while political actors often distance themselves from controversial incidents once investigations begin, it is usually the youths recruited to carry out such activities who are left to face arrest, prosecution and long-term social consequences.

In her weighty statement, Nyamu warned that even when young people receive money for participating in violent activities, the burden of the consequences often falls on their families. She said parents, siblings and dependants frequently bear the emotional and financial cost when such activities end in arrest, injury or death.

“Ukiwa neti ama ata ugenye kwa hio shugli mokoro wako, mamaa na wa less ndio watakapitia, si poa,” she said.

The senator encouraged young people to pursue legitimate opportunities available through political campaigns, community mobilization and civic engagement instead of activities that expose them to injury, criminal charges or death.

“There is plenty of campaign work and community engagement through which young people can earn a living without risking arrest, injury, and even death,” she said.

Her remarks add to a growing national debate about the responsibility of political leaders in shaping the conduct of their supporters and the need to protect young people from manipulation and exploitation.

With political activity expected to intensify in the run-up to the 2027 elections, Nyamu said leaders should focus on nurturing responsible citizenship and empowering young people through constructive engagement rather than cultivating groups that could ultimately threaten public order and national stability.

“Let us build leaders, not goons,” she said.