A Kericho-based human rights defender has raised concern over the growing use of goons to disrupt public gatherings and intimidate citizens, warning that the trend threatens Kenya’s democratic space and respect for human rights.
In an interview with KNA, Kericho Centre for Human Rights (KCHR) Executive Officer Robert Ngeno said allowing goonism to take root could normalise intimidation and violence, particularly as the country prepares for the next General Election.
Ngeno urged security agencies to closely monitor political rallies and pay attention to language used by politicians, saying this would help identify and counter reckless or inciting statements that could trigger violence.
He called on security agencies to thoroughly investigate cases of incitement and ensure individuals found culpable of advocating violence are arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“Leaders should be held accountable for their actions. Security agencies should closely monitor these rallies and understand the kind of language being used by politicians. It would be prudent for security agencies to conduct thorough investigations and take legal action against those found culpable of making reckless statements that may lead to chaos,” said Ngeno.
The KCHR official said the National Police Service (NPS) should operate independently while discharging its duties in accordance with the Constitution.
He noted that Article 244 of the Constitution requires the Service to uphold professionalism, accountability and human rights. He added that the National Police Service Act, 2011, outlines its functions, including maintaining law and order, preserving peace, preventing and detecting crime, and enforcing the law.
Ngeno also urged young people to reject attempts by politicians to use them to cause mayhem or incite violence, warning that they risked losing their lives, sustaining life-changing injuries, damaging their reputations or facing arrest and prosecution.
“Youths play a critical role in carrying out directives from politicians, but I want to warn them against allowing themselves to be used to perpetrate violence, which could have devastating consequences. Some youths risk losing their lives, while others may suffer life-changing injuries or damage their reputations. I urge youths to think independently and make decisions that safeguard their future,” he said.
Ngeno further called on the boda boda sector to work closely with security agencies by sharing information that could help prevent and quell riots.
He said the large number of young people engaged in the sector placed boda boda operators in a strategic position to support peace and security efforts, particularly during periods of heightened political activity.
The human rights defender also urged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to strengthen enforcement of the law as the country prepares for the next general election.
He called on the commission to firmly exercise its mandate by holding accountable individuals who incite the public, promote tribal politics or make inflammatory statements.
“The NCIC should not wait until violence occurs before taking action. I urge the commission to act on information it receives on potential threats and work closely with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and other relevant agencies to ensure that those found culpable face legal action,” said Ngeno.
Ngeno urged all Kenyans to play their part in promoting peace and tranquility as the country prepares for the next General Election.
By Sarah Njagi
