Peter Kagwanja claims goonism is a project of govt

Political commentator Peter Kagwanja has alleged that the Kenyan government is allowing political 'goonism' to flourish, in order to intimidate opposition leaders and their supporters. During an interview on a local radio station on August 17, 2026, Kagwanja mentioned the political violence observed during the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay and the broader political unrest across the nation.

He questioned the presence and readiness of security authorities when they allegedly witnessed individuals wielding machetes, blocking roads, and disrupting political events. Kagwanja asked where the County Commander, Commissioner, and other senior security officials were. His skepticism about the police's ability to safeguard public safety and their duty to uphold law and order stems from their apparent absence at the scenes of such incidents.

Kagwanja argued that 'goonism' is an intentionally created political strategy. He asserted that Kenya possesses the necessary security resources to prevent armed groups from interfering with public meetings. The political analyst pointed to several individuals and entities as potential targets of the alleged violence, including opposition figures like Edwin Sifuna, Rigathi Gachagua, Muthama, Martha Karua, and Kalonzo Musyoka, as well as businesses linked to these supporters.

Kagwanja warned that political unrest could harm Kenya's international standing, painting the country as becoming a dangerous place like Haiti. He emphasized that Kenya's status as a significant regional and global player makes the preservation of stability crucial. Kagwanja's comments surface as the country faces growing political tensions leading up to the 2027 General Election, with opposition leaders and government allies escalating disagreements over political violence and the actions of security agencies.