Catholic bishops have warned Kenyans against alcoholism and the use of young people to perpetrate violence and political disorder, saying the two vices pose a danger to the country.

The bishops urged Kenyans to shun excessive alcohol consumption while calling on the government to take measures to address the growing problem.

Speaking in Wote, Makueni County, on Saturday, July 18, 2026, Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) chairman Maurice Muhatia said the use of the term “goon” to describe young people involved in violence was shameful.

Muhatia condemns ‘goonism’

Muhatia criticised the practice of recruiting and paying young people to engage in violence for political or other interests.

“It is shameful to be called a goon. They pay you, but you cannot use the money for something meaningful,” Bishop Muhatia said.

He questioned the glorification of goonism, warning that young people should not allow themselves to be used to cause violence or disrupt the peace.

The bishop said the country should reject a culture where young people are mobilised and deployed to advance the interests of others through violence.

Bishops warn politicians

The bishops also condemned the use of young people by politicians to cause chaos and intimidate others.

Archbishop Philip Anyolo of the Archdiocese of Nairobi said the Church would continue speaking out against goonism regardless of where it originated.

“We want to continue condemning the idea of goonism in it, be it where it comes from, whatever it comes. Goonism is not the best. It’s not the right way to go,” Anyolo said.

He warned that Kenya had a history of organised groups being used to advance political interests, with devastating consequences.

“We have come from a history where we also had tribal groups. You can call them by many other things. We know how they can go down into the ashes,” he said.

Call to address alcoholism

The bishops further urged Kenyans to reject alcoholism, which they said was damaging individuals, families and communities.

They called on the government and other stakeholders to strengthen efforts to address alcohol abuse and protect young people from the effects of addiction.

The leaders said the country needed to confront social problems that undermine the well-being of citizens while promoting responsible leadership and peaceful coexistence.

The remarks came amid growing concerns over the use of young people in political violence and the social impact of alcoholism across the country.