From crime preventers to goons: Kenya, Uganda suffer hired violence
Political violence involving hired youth groups has become a persistent issue in both Kenya and Uganda. Despite government denials, these groups are frequently accused of acting as political militias to intimidate opponents and disrupt public events.
Why it matters
The persistence of these groups highlights ongoing challenges to democratic processes and human rights in East Africa.
Kenya and Uganda may be different polities, but the two countries appear joined at the hip when it comes to political violence.
In Kenya today, goons have become commonplace. They storm venues without warning; ferocious youths armed with crude weapons descending on political rallies, funerals or church services attended by rival leaders. Injuries are inflicted, valuables stolen and events disrupted.
Authorities have struggled to rein them in. One accusation is that they are hired thugs working at the behest of those in power, a charge the Interior Ministry denies.
Goons approach Nation Media Group crew in Ruiru on May 18, 2026 during the matatu strike.
On July 16, during a tense Ol Kalau Constituency by‑election in Nyandarua County, armed men arrived in high‑end cars, intimidating locals. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen promised investigations but rejected claims they were acting as government proxies.
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