By Habil Onyango
Political violence and the hiring of youth gangs to disrupt rallies, civic events, empowerment meetings and polling stations are major threats across many parts of the country.
High youth unemployment and entrenched political patronage sustain a cycle in which politicians hire young men, sometimes paying them only small amounts, to intimidate rivals, disrupt events and suppress dissent.
The Government has, however, launched a nationwide crackdown on goons, political gangs and criminal networks as part of efforts to restore order ahead of the 2027 General Election.
President William Ruto has repeatedly ordered the National Police Service to take firm, impartial action against goons, warning that lawlessness, vandalism and political violence will not be tolerated, and that sponsors and financiers face arrest and prosecution.
Homa Bay County has often been in the spotlight over attacks on political leaders, resulting in deaths, destruction, serious injuries and loss of property.
The latest incident occurred at Homa Bay Raila Odinga Stadium during a Jua Kali empowerment programme, Phase Two, sponsored by Homa Bay Woman Representative Bensuda Osogo, raising concerns about the growing culture of goonism.
Osogo, who hosted Co-operatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, alleged that she narrowly escaped death after being attacked by an organised gang.
Osogo said some youths who stole equipment, machines and plastic chairs intended for distribution to selected youths, women and people with disabilities were employees of the Homa Bay County Government.
According to Osogo, one of her security guards, who was blocking her vehicle’s window while she was escaping, was hacked multiple times with a panga while trying to shield her from an attack by one of the youths.
She said he is currently hospitalised in critical condition.
Osogo revealed that, had it not been for police intervention, with officers risking their lives to rescue her, she might have died that day.
“That day I saw the hand of God. I am happy the Police never fired any bullet, or else there could have been several casualties,” said the second Homa Bay Woman Representative.
According to Osogo, the goons also stole several machines, plastic chairs and additional equipment.
“I was surrounded by armed goons with crude weapons, some of whom confronted me and ordered me to leave, which I declined,” she said.
“Despite having security, including police and about 200 youths, the irate goons managed to steal three car wash machines, four welding machines, over 40 blow dryers and several plastic chairs,” she added.
“What I saw during the event should never happen to any leader. All leaders deserve respect, and our youth must be guided. Those employed should work in their offices and avoid being used by certain individuals,” she emphasised.
However, Osogo dismissed suggestions of a political witch-hunt, stating that none of the region’s elected leaders attended the event, only retired Members of County Assemblies and former councillors.
“I do not want to treat what happened as a politically motivated incident. In fact, I had the blessings of Governor Gladys Wanga, who was in Nairobi for the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s candle-lighting ceremony and even contributed to support the exercise,” she said.
“I want to condemn what took place in the strongest terms. It truly touched my soul. I shudder to think if they had decided to stab me,” she added.
“I have never been involved in goonism throughout my political life since 2022, nor have I ever abused any opponent. I will never do so, as I am focused and will neither be distracted nor accept any form of intimidation, whether direct or indirect, from my opponents,” she said.
Need for Empowerment
According to Osogo, what Kenyan youths need most is empowerment to enable them to earn an income and stop being misused by certain individuals in power for their own benefit.
She called for the revival of industries in the country to support youth affairs, helping young people to earn a living and create jobs.
She promised to identify special empowerment programmes targeting youths in the informal sector to help them generate income.
Osogo said she was even surprised that some of the youths she had contracted to provide security turned against her, destroying and vandalising equipment.
She, however, thanked some youths from informal settlements such as Shauri Yako estate, whom she said protected equipment from theft.
“Not all youths from our informal sectors like Shauri Yako estate are bad; some we hired did excellent work by protecting my life and the equipment,” she said.
She urged the leadership of Homa Bay to revisit its plans for a mentorship programme, counselling and guidance on ethics and work standards for youths.
Osogo also told the primary beneficiaries that not all the equipment had been lost and that she would soon start a programme to distribute it across all 40 wards in Homa Bay.
She criticised those interested in her seat in the 2027 General Election for using young online users to damage her reputation and advised them to focus on promoting their agenda.
“My focus is on the ten-point agenda, service delivery, praising the Lord, supporting and respecting all leaders.”
She also asked the Director of Criminal Investigations to conduct independent investigations and urged those who took the items to voluntarily return them to the National Government Affirmative Action Fund office.
During the day, the initiative, sponsored by NGAAF and other partners, aimed to distribute five posho mills, eight welding machines, coolers, woodworking machines, blow-dry kits, umbrellas, motorcycles, barbershop equipment and tents, among other items, to beneficiaries.
The target beneficiaries included hawkers, boda boda operators, women, small-business communities and people living with disabilities.
