Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has warned politicians against bankrolling goons to perpetuate acts of thuggery in rallies.
He said the government will no longer entertain such brazen acts violence for political expediency warning that that those found culpable of disrupting public order will face the full force of the law
Speaking at Chepsirei Grounds in Keiyo South Sub-county, Murkomen said political hooliganism had no place in a democratic society and youth to reject handouts from leaders seeking their support to cause mayhem or to intimidate fellow politicians, saying their days were numbered.
The Cabinet Secretary stated that criminal acts disguised as politics would be treated as security offences and handled through the criminal justice system.
“I want to tell you categorically that as a Government, we are not going to entertain any further use of young people, turning them into goons and using them in public to terrorise citizens,” said Murkomen.
He noted that the Government had already made firm policy decisions aimed at ending politically instigated violence and maintaining law and order during political gatherings and public engagements.
“We have made firm decisions that regardless of who you are, we are going to deal with this issue of goonism with finality. That is why you are seeing the clean-up operations going on in Kitale and Kisumu. Those goons have been arrested, brought before court and are now facing the justice system,” he said.
Murkomen reiterated that the National Police Service had received clear directives to intensify enforcement operations against criminal gangs and individuals inciting violence.
“We will not be intimidated as a National Government. The National Police Service has my full instructions and policy directives to ensure that the issue of goons and violence in political meetings is brought to an end so that the country can move forward in an orderly manner,” he added.
Murkomen further urged political leaders to uphold peace and responsible leadership by engaging youths in productive economic activities instead of exposing them to violence and criminal activities.
“We are not intimidated. We will stand firm to ensure that all those causing chaos in our country are arrested and taken to court,” said the Cabinet Secretary.
He observed that the Government was currently implementing various empowerment and development programmes targeting young people to create employment opportunities and reduce vulnerability to manipulation by self-seeking individuals.
The Cabinet Secretary affirmed that the Government remained committed to safeguarding national security, protecting lives and property, and ensuring that all citizens exercise their democratic rights in a peaceful environment.
by Rennish Okong’o
