Members of the Luo Council of Elders have called on political leaders from the community, to take drastic measures to tame the escalating culture of goonism.
The elders asserted that the youths must be engaged constructively to avert chaos during public gatherings.
The council expressed concerns over the growing trend, in which hired youths disrupt political gatherings using unwarranted violence and vengeance.
The elders led by their Chairman, Nyandiko Ongadi, noted that the youths disrupt meetings when they are hired by politicians.
Ongadi said they were disappointed by the way the youths were conducting themselves ahead of the 2027 general poll.
Ongadi called on politicians to engage and have an audience with the youths.
“It is high time our young people are involved in a meaningful discussion to end violence associated with political differences in the community. Youths should be embraced and guided accordingly, for the society to remain safe and peaceful,” Ongadi said.
Speaking, yesterday, in Kendu Bay town, the Chairman urged elected leaders to include elders in engaging the youths.
He said it was regrettable that goonism was taking root in the region and other parts of the country.
“Most of such incidents are witnessed in political rallies and even church functions. Politicians use the youths in disguise of their security guards,” the Chairman noted.
Ongadi warned that continued misuse of youths, is a recipe for political chaos in the 2027 General Elections.
“The issue of goons must be nipped in the bud before people go to elections. We don’t want to see any bloodshed in the upcoming elections in Luo land,” he said.
According to Ongadi, elders were ready to participate in peaceful dialogue, that will avert possible chaos during campaigns.
The Chairman said he believes that the elders will bring peace among competing politicians if they come together.
“Competition should be issue based and policies politicians sell to the people, not on the number of goons they have. Let’s keep peace,” Ongadi said.
By Davis Langat
