Human rights organizations in Kenya are warning of the emergence of a growing “goon” culture, accusing political actors of increasingly relying on hired gangs to intimidate protesters, journalists, activists, and opposition supporters. The groups say the trend is fueling political violence and eroding democratic freedoms as the country experiences heightened political tensions.
According to the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and other civil society organizations, these gangs have become a recurring presence at anti-government demonstrations and public gatherings. Often armed with clubs, sticks, and other crude weapons, they are accused of attacking peaceful protesters, vandalizing property, harassing journalists covering demonstrations, and intimidating government critics. Rights groups allege that in several incidents, the gangs have operated openly without intervention from police, raising concerns about possible official tolerance or complicity. Authorities have denied any involvement or support for such groups.
The concerns come after months of nationwide demonstrations driven by frustrations over the rising cost of living, economic hardship, taxation, governance, and allegations of police brutality. While many protests have been peaceful, several have turned violent, resulting in deaths, injuries, arrests, and widespread property damage. Human rights organizations say the growing use of civilian gangs alongside conventional security responses has created an atmosphere of fear that discourages citizens from exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
Civil society groups are calling on the Kenyan government to launch independent investigations into those financing and organizing the alleged gangs, prosecute individuals responsible for acts of political violence, and ensure that law enforcement agencies protect demonstrators regardless of their political views. They also urged police to uphold their constitutional duty by preventing attacks on peaceful protesters instead of allowing armed groups to operate with apparent impunity.
The organizations warned that if the trend continues unchecked, it could undermine public confidence in state institutions, weaken the rule of law, and threaten Kenya’s democratic gains. They stressed that safeguarding civic space, protecting journalists and human rights defenders, and ensuring accountability for political violence will be crucial as the country prepares for future political contests and works to preserve stability and constitutional governance.
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