Former Homa Bay deputy governor Oyugi Magwanga speaks during a fundraiser at Ringa Catholic Church in Kabondo Kasipul constituency/ROBERT OMOLLO
Former Homa Bay deputy governor Oyugi Magwanga has warned politicians against using goons to cause chaos ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Magwanga argued that the use of goons denies residents the opportunity to elect leaders of their choice who have the ability to develop the county.
Goons often intimidate residents during elections and interfere with the electoral process.
An elder at Ringa Catholic Church welcomes former Homa Bay deputy governor Oyugi Magwanga in the church in Kabondo Kasipul constituency/Robert Omollo
The culture of goonism in Homa Bay is worrying as politicians prepare for the General Election.
Goonism is a practice in which politicians use violence to attack opponents and their supporters to influence the electoral process.
Politicians also use goons to disrupt meetings convened by people they consider their opponents.
"Politicians, especially in Homa Bay, must stop using youths to cause violence before next year's election. We'll not give them room to interfere with the democratic rights of people to elect leaders of their choice," Magwanga said.
Politicians also use goons to gag their critics by inciting youths against them. This is done to deter people with dissenting opinions from expressing themselves.
Speaking during a fundraiser for the construction of Ringa Catholic Church in Kabondo Kasipul Constituency, Magwanga expressed concern that rising goonism could breach peace during campaigns in Homa Bay County.
Magwanga, who is vying for the Homa Bay gubernatorial seat, said there was a need for peaceful campaigns ahead of next year's General Election.
"I urge Homa Bay politicians to stop goonism. It is through peace that we will get a conducive environment for selling our policies well to the people," he said.
He warned some politicians against pretending they have a monopoly on violence.
"Goonism is unacceptable, and nobody has a monopoly on violence. Anybody can suffer if violence erupts. Let's embrace peaceful campaigns," he added.
He told residents to vet leaders who can serve them well.
In the company of former Homa Bay County Assembly Speaker Julius Gaya, Magwanga said the time had come for the electorate to weed out leaders with integrity issues.
He urged residents to vote for leaders who can serve them well by utilising resources prudently.
Magwanga claimed that Governor Gladys Wanga could not account for Sh700 million before the Senate Public Accounts Committee a few weeks ago.
"It is very unfortunate that women in Homa Bay are suffering and are being abused by some men who are shylocks, yet Governor Wanga cannot account for Sh700 million. Vote for me next year to transform this county," Magwanga said.
Politician Festus Juma said there was a need to transform Homa Bay County through good leadership.
"We are relying on the concerted efforts of the people to vote out bad leadership in this county," Juma said.
Gaya urged residents to consider the leadership qualities of gubernatorial candidates rather than their political parties.
"I appeal to the people of Homa Bay to vote for gubernatorial candidates based on their leadership qualities and not their political parties," Gaya said.
