NCIC calls for end to goonism, urges leaders to sanitise Kenya’s politics
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, July 16, 2026The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has called for a united national effort to eradicate organised criminal gangs, saying Kenya cannot afford to tolerate politically instigated violence.
Speaking in an interview with a local TV station on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, the commission’s chairperson, Kepha Nyamweya, said all Kenyans have a responsibility to safeguard peace and reject goonism, warning that political violence threatens national unity and democratic progress.
“We don’t have another country; we only have one country called Kenya. We must stamp out these organised criminal gangs. Whoever is triggering this kind of goonism must stop,” Nyamweya said.
Calls for leaders to reject toxic politics
Nyamweya urged political leaders across the divide to embrace responsible leadership and distance themselves from violence and intimidation.
He stressed that every leader should publicly condemn goonism and ensure political competition is based on ideas rather than fear or chaos.
“We must sanitise politics in this country. All of us must come on board and condemn goonism in this country,” he said.
Constructive political engagement
The chairperson has further appealed for a shift toward issue-based politics, saying Kenya’s democracy would only thrive if political actors embraced civility and constructive engagement.
“Our political actors must do politics that has hygiene; it should not be toxic or destructive; it should be constructive politics,” Nyamweya stated.
His remarks come amid growing concerns over politically motivated violence and the emergence of organised groups accused of disrupting public gatherings and demonstrations.
The comments add to ongoing calls from various leaders and civil society groups for accountability, peaceful political engagement, and the protection of democratic freedoms as the country prepares for future political contests.
Emergence of goonism in Kenya’s politics
Goonism has increasingly become a feature of Kenya’s political landscape in recent years, with organised groups frequently accused of disrupting political rallies, protests and public events through violence and intimidation.
The phenomenon gained renewed attention during the 2023 anti-government demonstrations, when rival groups were blamed for attacking protesters and looting businesses in some areas.
Similar incidents have since surfaced at political gatherings across the country, with both government and opposition figures accusing each other of sponsoring goons to intimidate opponents and suppress dissent.
Despite repeated public condemnation and calls for accountability, no perpetrators have been successfully prosecuted, allowing the problem to persist as a recurring challenge in Kenya’s politics.