Belgut Member of Parliament Nelson Koech has emphasized the urgent need for political leaders across Kenya to abandon the reliance on hired goons for protection. He highlighted that this troubling practice is prevalent and called on politicians from all parties to unite in addressing it.
In an insightful interview with a local TV station on Monday, July 13, 2026, Koech pointed out that this issue transcends political affiliations and requires collective accountability from all leaders. He urged them to take a stand against the culture of depending on these groups for security or to disrupt political events, as it casts a negative light on the political landscape.
Koech stated, “Even yesterday, the team that went to Nyahururu also had their goons. We are all protected by goons, and that is why we, as leaders, must agree to eliminate this practice.” He underscored that the ongoing use of such groups sends a detrimental message to the public and hampers efforts to promote peaceful political engagement.
“We are setting a poor example. All leaders must immediately abandon their goons, as every leader has their own,” he insisted.
Calls for Political Responsibility
Koech’s observations come at a critical time when discussions around political violence, intimidation, and the employment of hired gangs have intensified, especially following recent political rallies and the ongoing campaigns for the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
Accusations have flown between leaders from both the Kenya Kwanza and opposition camps regarding the use of goons to disrupt political gatherings and intimidate supporters. Koech’s comments signal that tackling this issue necessitates a bipartisan commitment rather than placing blame on specific political factions.
Kisumu and Nyahururu Chaos
His remarks resonate against the backdrop of recent political violence in Kisumu and Nyahururu. In Kisumu, rival political factions exchanged accusations after violence disrupted events, while in Nyahururu, tensions escalated during the Ol Kalou by-election campaigns, amid claims of hired groups being used to intimidate opponents and interfere with campaign activities.
These incidents have reignited concerns about the resurgence of politically motivated violence. Leaders and civil society organizations are calling for restraint and urging politicians to ensure their supporters maintain peaceful conduct.
