Suna West Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Masara has backed President William Ruto’s directive to security agencies to intensify operations against goons and organised criminal groups, saying the government should move quickly to restore public confidence and improve security.

Speaking during an interview on Thursday, July 23, 2026, Masara welcomed the president’s remarks on political violence and said Kenyans should allow the government to implement the measures announced.

“When the president speaks on national television about a crisis in the country, we need to give him the benefit of the doubt because he is the head of state. We have heard from the CS in charge of Interior, and now we are waiting for action,” Masara said.

President Ruto issued the directive on Tuesday during a meeting at State House, Nairobi, where he instructed security agencies to deal firmly with criminal groups operating under the guise of political mobilisation or youth activism.

“Now we have goons. I don’t know whether we want to say again that they are our kids,” Ruto said. “There cannot be any defence for criminality or breaking the law.”

Calls for faster action

Masara, who has served on the National Assembly’s Security Committee for nine years, said he does not support the use of violence or rogue groups in political competition.

“Some action may be favourable to an individual at a given point, but at the end of the day, they may escalate to something which even those who initiated them may not control,” he said.

He added that security operations should be stepped up before such incidents spread further.

“I don’t support gunism, and I support the government initiative so that we can stop it,” Masara said.

The MP pointed to the recent incident in Kisumu where several youths were arrested following a church function, saying the events appeared to have been organised.

Youth engagement

Masara said every leader has a responsibility to reject political violence because ordinary citizens are often caught up in such incidents.

He said the government should continue creating opportunities for young people to reduce the chances of politicians recruiting them as private security.

Masara added that the conduct of individuals during public events can help distinguish genuine supporters from those intent on causing destruction.

Constituency incident

The legislator also referred to a recent event in his constituency involving a planned groundbreaking ceremony.

According to Masara, the ceremony had initially been scheduled as a joint event with the county governor before separate arrangements were made.

“We were to do it jointly with the current governor, but apparently he decided to do it otherwise. He organised a separate meeting, a different meeting altogether, in the same vein, without giving notice,” he said.

Masara maintained that security agencies have the primary responsibility of protecting all Kenyans and said timely action will help curb political violence while safeguarding public safety.