President William Ruto has directed security agencies to take firm action against goonism and other forms of criminality amid growing concerns over political violence and organised crime in the country.
Speaking at State House on Monday, July 21, during the unveiling of the New National Vision - Journey to a First World Economy, Ruto said security agencies must decisively deal with criminal gangs while operating within the limits of the law.
His remarks came days after the July 16 Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election in Nyandarua County, which was marked by reports of masked individuals disrupting voting, intimidating residents and engaging in violent confrontations.
“And then we have goons. And then, I don't know whether we want to say again, these are our children, the goons. So, you know, we really need to have a candid conversation,” Ruto said.
“Now that we have a consensus, our security agencies must do their job. Within the law, they must do their job, and they must stop criminality,” he added.
The President warned that unchecked lawlessness could have serious consequences for Kenya, drawing comparisons with the situation in Sudan, where prolonged insecurity has devastated parts of the country.
He cited Khartoum as an example of how quickly a once-thriving city can be transformed by instability.
“The security of our country is very important. You've had reflections by some people here who have told us about Khartoum. Khartoum was a beautiful city three years ago. Today, it is rubble, and the world is moving on,” Ruto said.
Ruto acknowledged that the Constitution protects the right to peaceful demonstrations but warned that some individuals have used protests as an opportunity to engage in criminal activities, including looting businesses, destroying property and attacking innocent citizens.
The President also raised concerns over suspects arrested for criminal offences being released on what he described as lenient bond terms, only for some to allegedly return to political gatherings where they engage in further disruptions.
He said such situations make it difficult for authorities to differentiate between genuine protesters exercising their rights and organised criminal groups using political events as cover.
The directive comes after the Ol Kalou by-election, where reports of violence involving masked men sparked public concern and calls for investigations.
The incident gained further attention after NTV aired an investigative report, #TheOlKalouCrimeScene, which examined alleged links between luxury vehicles, masked armed individuals and the unrest witnessed during the poll.
The report also highlighted claims of voter bribery and attacks targeting journalists covering the election.
Kiambaa MP John Njuguna Wanjiku, whose vehicle was mentioned in the investigation, confirmed that one of his vehicles was present at the scene but denied any involvement in planning or participating in acts of violence.