Fred Matiang’i, the 2027 presidential candidate for the Jubilee Party, has finally assured Kenyans that issues of goons will be a thing of the past if elected president next year.

Matiang’i, who spoke exclusively to one of the local TV stations on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from his Karen home, also admitted that Kenya’s security agencies are among the best when allowed to work professionally and without interference.

He further claimed that the growing culture of organised goonism being witnessed in parts of the country is a reflection of poor governance and a broken security structure.

The former Interior Cabinet Secretary, who oversaw security operations during his time in government, said criminal gangs thrive when leadership is weak and institutions are denied the freedom to do their job.

Tough warning

“If a serious guy like me is president, this culture of goonism will end soon. If a firm, no-nonsense manager like me is president, there will be no goons.

“Where and how will they operate? I understand the structure of this country,” Matiang’i said.

He added that goonism does not grow on its own, but often emerges where systems have failed and accountability has collapsed.

“Goonism is reflecting, and it’s an accurate representation of that government,” he added.

His remarks come at a time when concerns have been rising over politically linked gangs, hired chaos during protests, and cases where criminal groups are accused of infiltrating public gatherings.

Matiang’i said the answer lies in restoring order, professionalism and discipline across the security chain.

Security concerns

The Jubilee candidate also weighed in on claims that some police officers are working with criminal gangs, saying such allegations point to deeper problems within the sector.

“I believe people who say police are working with goons, and I tell them that is because of the failure and dysfunctional nature of the security sector,” he said.

At the same time, he defended senior security officials, saying many of them are capable officers whose efforts are being frustrated from outside the system.

“I know Kanja is a very good policeman, in fact, probably one of the best police officers this country has ever had. I know Noordin.

“We worked together. These are people who, if left to work on their own, would deliver a safe, clear and clean Kenya,” he said.

According to Matiang’i, some officers trying to clean up the country are facing interference that makes their work difficult.

“You can see clearly that some of the work these people are trying to do is either being undermined or interfered with,” he said.

He ended by promising voters a stable administration focused on law, order and competent leadership.

“I am prepared to give a serious government to this country,” he said.