State-goons links fuel fresh fears of rising unrest, political anarchy

State sponsored goons whipping journalists and protestors along Waiyaki Way during Justice For Albert Ojwang Protests on June 17, 2025. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]

The primitive and worrying trend of politicians hiring goons to terrorise peaceful protesters or to disrupt meetings organised by political opponents is back, but this time, at an alarming level.

Such tactics were common during Kenya’s second liberation struggle, when gangs such as Jeshi la Mzee unleashed violence on pro-democracy activists and opposition leaders in Nairobi streets.