Charles Owino explains how police and IEBC can combat goon menace ahead of 2027 polls
By Luke Oluoch, December 10, 2025The National Communication Council Director, Charles Owino, has challenged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to collaborate with the law enforcement agencies in combating the rising culture of goonism as the nation heads to the polls in 2027.
In an interview with a local TV station on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, Owino expressed concerns over the trend of goon culture taking root in the country, urging the two agencies to walk the tough talk and crack down on individuals perpetrating the vice.
Crack down on politicians
“The police and IEBC must work closely together. Politicians take advantage of belonging to the ruling party and proximity to power. They will claim to be acting on orders from their bosses or political leaders and intimidate officers, some warning them of being transferred if they interfere,” he stated.
“If a politician can be disqualified at the last minute, no matter their affiliations, then it will serve as a good deterrent,” the ex police spokesperson stated.
He proposed the adoption of dire measures, such as barring politicians involved in violence and goonism, as a way of deterrence.
His remarks come after Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen admitted to the challenge during an interview with a local TV station. The CS said that most regions in Kenya had reported criminal gangs, with some within formalised structures and others co-opted by politicians and out for hire to the highest bidder.
Murkomen’s stern warning
“Murkomen must now take action and protect his officers who take action against the goons. They should be empowered as a way to deal effectively with the problem,” Owino added.
In his latest riot act to officers fueling and enabling criminal gangs, Murkomen said the government would not shy away from holding the rogue police officers or politicians culpable in perpetrating the heinous act.
“There are people who support the government, but they invest in gangs. We cannot condone this issue, and we cannot protect them simply because they are supporting or opposing the president,” he said.
He revealed that the state security agencies are preparing a major intelligence-led operation that will target gang financiers and leaders.