Suba South Member of Pariament (MP) Caroli Omondi has accused the government of using plainclothes police officers to intimidate political opponents, noting that the practice reflects a decline in governance.

Speaking during a televised interview with a local station on Tuesday, July 14,2026, Omondi described the current administration as a “kakistocracy”, saying that the State had outsourced political violence to groups acting outside the law.

“Ruto’s administration is a kakistocracy. Today, the State is subcontracting goonism and they are using police officers without uniform to act like goons; it has never been like that in the history of this country,” Omondi said.

His remarks come amid heightened political tensions following recent allegations of violence and intimidation during political activities, particularly in the run-up to the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.

Claims revive debate over plainclothes officers

Omondi’s claims revive concerns that have repeatedly surfaced over the deployment of plainclothes security personnel during politically sensitive events.

In November 2025, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also stated that plainclothes police officers were being deployed during by-elections to interfere with the electoral process.

“For the first time in the electoral history of Kenya, IEBC has confirmed that they will be using uniformed officers and plainclothes officers. Those plainclothes officers are a tool for ballot stuffing,” Gachagua claimed at the time.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) rejected the allegations, maintaining that it had not received complaints of ballot manipulation or voter bribery.

Political tensions remain high

Omondi’s remarks add to the growing political exchanges over the role of security agencies in managing political activities as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.

Recent incidents in Nyahururu and during the Ol Kalou campaigns have sparked accusations and counter-accusations between rival political camps over intimidation and the alleged use of hired gangs.

The government has previously maintained that security agencies operate independently and within the law, while political leaders continue to trade claims over the conduct of police and other security personnel during political events.

Goons are hired criminals

Omondi’s remarks also echoed his earlier position on the definition of political goons following the violence that disrupted the Linda Mwananchi team’s activities in Nyahururu.

Speaking on Tuesday, July 14, the Suba South MP maintained that goons are “hired criminals” paid to intimidate opponents and disrupt lawful political meetings, insisting they should not be confused with genuine political activists or freedom fighters.