Politicians should stop using young people to fight their wars

Goons along Koinange Street, Nairobi, during protests to demand justice for the late Albert Ojwang who died in police custody, on June 17, 2025. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]

So, an elected leader stands up in public to rally young people to go to Nairobi and defend the government against protesters? Media reports show that several high-profile leaders are actively recruiting young people to “go defend the government.” Defend the government against what? Well, I assume being insiders, they know more than the general public.

We have lately been treated to bizarre but true episodes of leaders shamelessly taking charge of the streets with goons. What exactly is the message beyond the words they utter in public? And, what else is going on in the dark?