Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa during a prayer service at St Ignatius Mukumu Boys High School in Shinyalu Constituency/IMAGE /HILTON OTENYO
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and his Bungoma
counterpart Kenneth Lusaka have condemned the growing trend of politicians using
hired goons to disrupt public gatherings.
Governor Barasa warned that the practice threatens public
safety and national stability if left unchecked.
"I condemn those misusing our youths in goonish
activities. Recently, we have seen politicians using goons in public functions,
and that even endangers the safety of our people," he said.
The two governors spoke during a prayer day service at St
Ignatius Mukumu Boys High School in Shinyalu constituency.
They called on political leaders to embrace peaceful
engagement and sell their agendas without resorting to violence.
"There is exploitation of young people in acts of
hooliganism. Politicians should stop using them to cause chaos during public
functions and instead help empower them economically to transform their
lives," Barasa said.
The governor urged security agencies to remain vigilant and
take firm action against those behind such incidents, noting that public
gatherings should remain safe for all citizens.
"We should empower our youths so they can improve their
livelihoods and make meaningful contributions to society," he added.
Lusaka appealed to politicians across the country to stop
mobilising groups to disrupt meetings and public events.
He said genuine political support is earned through service and leadership rather than intimidation, blackmail or threats.
"We have only one country. If people don't love you in your area of jurisdiction, then goons will not change their perception. So let us not lead our country into anarchy," he said.
Lusaka cautioned that continued political intolerance could
push the country towards instability, urging leaders to protect peace and
national unity.
The leaders' remarks come amid growing concerns over
incidents of violence and disruption at political and public gatherings in
different parts of the country.
The government has said it will take action against criminal groups involved in such activities. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission had earlier threatened to cancel the Ol Kalou by-election if violence linked to hired goons continued.
