Belgut MP Nelson Koech./COURTERSY
Belgut MP Nelson Koech has claimed he once found himself driving with four suspected goons inside his vehicle after a political event in Nairobi, saying the experience convinced him that Kenya has a growing problem with politically linked violence.
Koech argued that political leaders across the divide should take responsibility for what he described as the growing culture of using "goons" at public events.
According to Koech, leaders must first acknowledge the problem before lasting solutions can be found.
"All leaders must immediately drop their goons because all of us have goons," he said.
Koech made the remarks while responding to questions on recent incidents of violence during political events, saying the problem cuts across the political divide.
To illustrate his point, the MP recounted what he described as a frightening experience after attending an empowerment event organised by an MP at Uhuru Park several weeks ago.
According to Koech, he arrived early and immediately noticed a large group of young men at the venue.
He said after addressing the gathering and preparing to leave, chaos erupted.
Koech claimed four young men entered his vehicle while his security officer struggled to prevent others from taking his firearm.
He alleged that his bodyguard was forced out of the vehicle and had to pursue him on a motorcycle.
According to the MP, the men remained inside his vehicle as he drove away from the venue towards Lang'ata.
He claimed one of them advised him to use the Nairobi Expressway, allegedly warning that those following them could shoot at his vehicle.
Koech said the incident left him questioning the direction the country was taking.
"I realised we are losing our country if this is the trajectory that we are taking," he said.
During the interview, Koech also said MP who had organised the event appeared equally caught up in the confusion at the event.
He claimed the contribution he intended to make during the function was instead delivered elsewhere after concerns over the unfolding situation.
More broadly, Koech argued that politicians have increasingly normalised moving around with large entourages of supporters, saying the practice has fuelled what he termed a culture of intimidation.
According to him, some politicians view arriving with dozens of supporters as a display of popularity and political strength.
He further claimed that even funeral gatherings have increasingly become difficult for leaders to attend without encountering groups demanding money before allowing them access.
Koech maintained that the responsibility to reverse the trend lies with political leaders themselves, urging them to reject violence and stop relying on organised groups at political gatherings.
He said acknowledging the existence of the problem would be the first step towards restoring public confidence and ensuring political events remain peaceful.
The remarks come amid renewed government concern over the use of criminal gangs during political activities.
On June 25, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen warned that the government had intelligence indicating some political leaders were planning to exploit demonstrations by mobilising criminal gangs to terrorise peaceful protesters.
Murkomen vowed crackdown on leaders mobilising goons.
On Sunday, Murkomen again urged leaders to reject goonism, calling on religious leaders to continue promoting peaceful dialogue, discouraging incitement and helping steer the country towards peace and unity.
He said Kenya's future should take precedence over divisive politics.
