Why political goons are a serious threat to our growing democracy

Nairobi Central Business District Association (NCBDA) Chair Timothy Muriuki is roughed up by goons after they disrupted his press conference at the Boulevard hotel. [Willis Awandu/Standard]

The other day, I watched in disbelief as alleged goons descended on Nairobi Central Business District Association chairman Timothy Muriuki, who was holding a presser. They roughed him up and threw him out of a Nairobi hotel. Then, dramatically, they followed him out there and beat him up till he ran for dear life. It was simply blood, sweat and tears.

When my 10-year-old son, who was also watching this traumatic scene, asked me what the victim had done to warrant such manhandling and roughness, I was lost for words, albeit temporarily. In my mind, I knew that the culture in which politicians use youth to win and maintain political office is what is ailing us.