Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i has asked the government to walk the talk on political goonism by arresting the perpetrators.

Matiang’i stated that the reason political goonism is on the rise is the inaction of those in authority.

Speaking on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Tonga SDA Church in Nyamaiya, Nyamira County, during a thanksgiving service, Matiang’i said it was wrong for police officers to look the other way while politicians continue to perpetrate goonism.

“This morning, before I came here, I passed by a hospital in Kisii to check on a young man who was injured by goons. As I was leaving the hospital, I met police officers at the hospital’s entrance as they pursued the case. I told them they cannot keep looking the other way while politicians who claim to be friends of those in government continue to perpetrate and sponsor goonism,” Matiang’i said.

“I told those officers that they know we have worked well together. We cannot continue leading the country this way; youths are being maimed because of politics. Let’s have decent politics where we talk and seek support with love and respect,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Matiang’i called on the police to act swiftly and arrest those responsible for the attack on 31-year-old Obed Mogunda Somoni, a victim of political goonism in Kisii.

He spoke after his visit to check on Mogunda at Chiron Hospital, following his referral from Hema for specialised treatment. Matiang’i expressed concern that the perpetrators of the attack have not yet been apprehended.

Mogunda was referred to the medical facility from Hema Hospital, where he had been admitted for a week. He is set to undergo specialised orthopaedic services following a fractured hip from the attack.

According to medical records in our possession, Mogunda is also suffering from head, hand, chest and stomach injuries, and he has been vomiting blood.

 Matiang’i stated that those in authority should put an end to political goonism, emphasising that Mogunda’s life nearly ended simply because he does not support those who sponsored the attack.

End goonism

This comes a day after Matiang’i raised an alarm on rising incidents of violence and politically linked goonism, vowing to restore law and order if elected Head of State.

Speaking in Nyamira on Friday, April 24, 2026, during a meeting with the outfits’ aspirants drawn from Nyamira and Kisii counties, Matiang’i said basic services are faltering, and insecurity is creeping into everyday life.

“Hatuwezi kufika mahali eti watoto hawaendi shule, sijui matibabu hakuna, hakuna chakula kwa hospitali, watu wanapigwa kila siku,” he said, decrying what he described as a breakdown of essential systems and public safety.

The former Interior Cabinet Secretary took direct aim at political actors accused of sponsoring violence, warning that the era of impunity must come to an end.

“One pledge I can make to Kenya as a presidential candidate, if I were given an opportunity to be president of this country, is that there will be no goon nonsense in this country. Lazima serikali iwe serikali, na wakora ni wakora,” Matiang’i declared.

At the same time, he criticised what he suggested is the selective enforcement of the law, where individuals allegedly linked to powerful figures operate above the law.

“Na kama wakora wanafanya namna hiyo, sheria iko inatuambia tufanye nini na wakora, tutafuata sheria. Lakini sio eti unaangalia pande hii, watu wanabebabeba wakora hapa, eti wao ndio wakubwa, kwa sababu ni marafiki wa serikali…ni marafiki wa mkubwa. Kwa sababu hao ni marafiki wa mkubwa wananchi, wako na kibali ya kufanya ushenzi kama huo. It cannot work!” He said.

Matiang’i’s remarks come against the backdrop of growing concern over politically instigated violence, with reports of hired gangs disrupting meetings, attacking opponents, and instilling fear in communities.

Positioning himself as a law-and-order candidate, Matiang’i promised a return to strict adherence to the rule of law, insisting that criminal elements – regardless of political connections – would be dealt with firmly and legally.

“Violence, goonism, and failing systems have no place in the Kenya we want to build,” he said, framing his 2027 presidential bid as a mission to rebuild broken institutions and restore public trust.

“We must restore order, uphold the rule of law, and protect every Kenyan without fear or favour.”