Homa Bay County Commissioner (CC) Ronald Mwiwawi has expressed concern over the growing culture of using goons to cause violence in the county.
He said that the goons locally referred to as Sangwenyas were being recruited and financed by some political operatives.
The CC warned that the county security team will not only go after the goons but also their sponsors.
He said it was unfortunate that the media was awash with negative reports of incidences of goon violence during political gatherings across the country.
“Disrespect to institutions of governance is a serious threat to our sovereignty and is a worrying trend,” said Mwiwawi, adding every time a public function is convened, the security team in the county is put on a high alert because of the possibility of violence breaking out.
The CC said open display of opulence by crooks who could not account for their source of wealth was enticing the youth to be recruited into extremist groups.
“Money laundering and recruitment to terror organisations are taking root because the youth are looking for a shortcut to riches driven by the opulence displayed around,” Mwiwawi said.
He added youth should seek jobs in the affordable housing projects, online jobs and diaspora employment instead of allowing themselves to be misused by politicians as goons.
The CC said it was unfortunate that some citizens harbour deep hatred towards security officials, as witnessed during frequent street battles between the police and demonstrators.
Mwiwawi spoke during a three-day workshop on national strategy to prevent and counter violent extremism held at a Homa Bay hotel. The training was organised by the National Counter Terrorism Center.
He urged the media to be proactive in the fight against terrorism by educating the public on the virtues of patriotism.
The administrator said the media must tread carefully so that they are not used by terror organisations to achieve their goals.
By Davis Langat
