Stop rising goon attacks and political intolerance

Politicians are once again manifesting their intolerance by sponsoring attacks on their opponents. The latest incidents have occurred in Homa Bay and Nakuru counties.

The masterminds know only too well that the Constitution guarantees the right of Kenyans to move across the country and sell their programmes and manifestos, but this must be done peacefully.

Yesterday’s ugly scenes in Homa Bay were quite unprecedented. Rival groups of youths engaged in violence, resulting in serious injuries. Those behind this rising goonism should be ashamed of themselves. There was tension ahead of the Linda Mwananchi rally, with roads being reportedly barricaded and innocent people terrorised.

There were also reports of some hotels being raided by hired thugs in search of visiting opposition leaders and their supporters. Journalists were also attacked and injured, and their equipment snatched. Goons also took to the streets of Homa Bay, burning tyres in an attempt to block the Linda Mwananchi rally.

Just how will these people feel if other Kenyans also block their own leaders from visiting their areas? Last week, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s convoy came under attack in Nakuru County, with car windows smashed during a tour of his DCP party. These incidents are needlessly heightening political tension.

While in Homa Bay, several suspects were arrested in Nakuru, the goons walked scot-free. Many people concerned about the increasing lawlessness have been asking where the police were when innocent Kenyans were being assaulted for merely exercising their freedom of movement and association. This is not just unacceptable, it is criminal conduct. Opposition figures have accused the State machinery and county leaderships of sponsoring the youthful gangs, which government officials have denied. Indeed, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has warned that the government will firmly deal with politicians or anyone else financing or organising goons to disrupt meetings.

Civil society and activists are demanding accountability and respect for citizens’ constitutional right to assemble. The goon attacks should be strongly condemned, and the culprits pursued and punished.

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