By Habil Onyango
Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang has called for an urgent need to address the rising culture of goonism in the country.
Kajwang said that if this issue is not watched and tackled carefully, the group might evolve into vigilantes and eventually into a militia, resulting in the loss of the republic.
“As a nation and leaders, we must deal with the rising culture of goonism; if we do not, we are not going to have a republic since they will morph into vigilantes and militia, and at the end of the day, there will be no republic,” said the Senator.
Recently, a group of armed youths has emerged, attacking, killing, maiming, destroying property, and interfering with political rallies, especially those not aligned with their political affiliations.
There are reports that these youths are “goons for hire” who usually serve their masters’ interests.
The culture has even worried President William Ruto, who has directed the Interior Ministry to curb this emerging trend.
Kajwang’s comments come a week after a violent clash in Homa Bay between the Linda Mwananchi brigade, which champions President William Ruto’s one-term tenure, and perceived ODM youths supporting the President’s second term.
The Linda Mwananchi team, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, and Suba South MP Caroly Omondi, toured various parts of Homa Bay County on Sunday, August 16, 2026, where their entourage was attacked by hired goons.
During the clash, around four people, including a police officer, lost their lives; several others were injured; property worth billions of shillings was destroyed; and about 14 vehicles were torched.
There has been blame-shifting from both the one-term and two-term brigades, who might have been behind the goons.
Reports indicate that the goons are usually hired at a cost of between Ksh 1,000 and Ksh 4,000, depending on the assignment.
Kajwang emphasised that the goonism witnessed on that day, with property destruction and loss of lives, is completely unacceptable in a democratic state.
Moreover, Kajwang stressed that every corner of the country must be open for everyone to express their freedom of expression, association, and political beliefs.
“What we witnessed in Homa Bay on Sunday, August 16, 2026, was not the position of the Luo community nor the position of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM),” said Kajwang.
“It all started in a small manner, with Osotsi being attacked in Kisumu; recently, Sifuna was attacked and beaten in Homa Bay. This is unacceptable,” he added.
“Senator Sifuna served ODM as the Secretary General (SG) for the last 8-9 years or so. Osotsi has been the deputy party leader, and there is no place in the party’s ideology where we endorse violence or prevent Kenyans from accessing any part of Kenya,” he said.
“Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was teargassed, beaten, and attacked. I remember when he returned from the United States of America, we were beaten in Embakasi, Gikomba, Muthurua. But we cannot commit the same injustices that have been inflicted upon us,” he added.
“I want to issue an unconditional apology to the Luhya community (Mashemeji); I do not point fingers nor try to explain myself. As a community, we take full responsibility for whatever was committed or omitted, but ultimately, the culture of goonism,” said the second Homa Bay Senator.
Following the incident, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) summoned Homa Bay Town MP Peter Opondo Kaluma over alleged inciting remarks made during a public gathering.
Kaluma reportedly declared the “one-term” phrase prohibited and urged action against opponents of President William Ruto’s re-election.
He is under investigation for potential hate speech, incitement, and political intolerance linked to local rallies.
On that day, goons burned vehicles, attacked hotels and destroyed property. Small business racks were damaged and used to barricade roads, and merchandise was looted. The SDA field headquarters was attacked, vehicles burnt, and looting occurred.
Homa Bay Tourists Hotel, one of the facilities attacked, was destroyed and looted; the owner estimated damages at over Ksh 30 million.
Businesses within the CBD were also destroyed, and the town was shut down, with many closing shop.
Several goons involved in the violence, as well as those who looted and destroyed facilities, have already been apprehended.
