Kirinyaga County Commissioner, Shufaa O. Mwijuma has dismissed reports of the presence of goons in the county, saying the region remains peaceful and enjoys good integration among its residents.
Speaking to journalists in her office in Kirinyaga County,Mwijuma said there was no known case of organised goons operating in Kirinyaga and urged residents to ignore rumours and continue with their daily activities without fear.
She said the security team was closely monitoring the situation in the county and had been engaging residents through public barazas to address security concerns and promote peaceful coexistence.
“Kirinyaga is peaceful. We have no goons in this county, and our people are living and working together,” Mwijuma said.
The Commissioner, however, warned politicians against involving young people in violence during political meetings and gatherings.
She cautioned leaders against giving youths money or alcohol to disrupt political events, saying such actions could undermine the peace that residents have enjoyed.
Mwijuma also urged politicians to avoid spreading propaganda that could create fear, tension and division among residents, especially as political activities ahead of the 2027 General Election gain momentum.
She assured residents that the government would remain committed to maintaining peace before, during and after the 2027 General Election, saying security agencies were prepared to respond to any threats to peace and ensure residents remain free to conduct their businesses and other activities without fear.
Mwijuma said the administration was using public barazas to engage residents and address emerging concerns before they escalate into security challenges.
The Commissioner challenged young people to focus on activities that can improve their livelihoods instead of being used to disrupt political meetings.
She noted that Kirinyaga is an agricultural hub with opportunities for young people and urged them to take advantage of government programmes aimed at improving livelihoods and creating employment opportunities.
Mwijuma called on youths who had not registered for available government programmes to do so and position themselves to benefit from the initiatives.
She further appealed to young people to take an active role in maintaining peace, saying security was a shared responsibility between the government and the public.
“Peace starts with you. Young people should help the government maintain peace and reject attempts to use them to cause violence,” she said.
She urged residents to remain focused on development and economic activities.
By David Wandeto.
