Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has sparked widespread debate after openly defending his decision to work with groups of young men, often labelled as “goons”, during his political activities.

Speaking during an interview with a local podcast on Monday, April 6, 2026, Alai described the youth who hang around politicians as “hustlers” navigating a harsh economic reality.

Alai argued that his association with the youth is driven by necessity, citing weak enforcement of law and order as a key factor.

“It is lack of enforcement, and this is why when I walk, I have to go with vijana. Hawa vijana, they are hustlers,” he said.

Survival tactics

When the interviewer pressed him on the risks of working with such groups, Alai doubled down, offering a controversial analogy about everyday survival in Kenya, especially in Nairobi.

“Do you know the danger of buying food from Marikiti yenye imewekwa chini? Danger has been the middle name of survival in this country,” he remarked.

His comments suggest that, in his view, the line between risk and survival has become blurred for many Kenyans, particularly those in informal sectors.

Alai also shared details about his upbringing to explain his perspective, noting that he comes from a large family background shaped by economic uncertainty.

“I come from a family of three mothers, one dad, and 25 children. Do you know why we have so many children? It’s the game of chances,” he said.

Growing concern over political tactics

Alai’s statements come at a time when the country is experiencing heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election, with increased scrutiny on campaign tactics and the role of youth in political spaces.

The use of youth groups in political mobilisation has long been a contentious issue in Kenya, often raising concerns about security, violence, and the integrity of political processes.

Critics have been arguing that leaders should discourage such practices and instead promote peaceful and structured engagement with constituents.

In February 2026, women’s rights and constitutional lawyer Koki Muli lashed out at Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen following what she said was an admission before the Senate that some politicians hire goons to push their agendas by causing chaos in political rallies.

Speaking in an interview on a local radio station on Thursday, February 26, 2026, Muli’s scathing critique has highlighted that there’s a danger of political interference in law enforcement.

“I was shocked when the minister of interior stood before the Senate and admitted that politicians are hiring goons. We know, but what are you doing about it? Because you are the minister of interior, you cannot stand and say, ‘Okay, they are hiring goons and starting to threaten people,’” Muli stated.

In most cases, the said youth groups hanging around politicians during events tend to cause chaos, with some of them engaging in fights with their rivals.

As a result, peaceful events, such as funerals, normally end in chaos.