Kenya Battles Rising Political Violence as Gangs Spread

Kenya is facing growing fears of political violence as criminal gangs linked to politicians become more active ahead of next year’s elections.

The alarm was raised after Senator Godfrey Osotsi was attacked last month in Kisumu by hooded youths. CCTV footage showed the group beating him and stealing his belongings. The senator insists the assault was politically motivated, claiming the attackers questioned his loyalty to the president’s re election bid.

The incident sparked nationwide outrage and forced parliament to summon top security chiefs. For many Kenyans, the attack confirmed long standing fears that the country is sliding back into an era of deadly political violence.

Kenya has a history of politically sponsored gangs dating back to the 1990s. Unemployed youths have often been recruited by politicians to intimidate rivals. These groups played a major role in the 2007 post election violence, which left about 1,500 people dead.

Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen told parliament that more than 104 gangs are currently active, many under the patronage of politicians. He warned that irresponsible leaders pose a threat to national security. Police say at least 300 suspects have been arrested in recent crackdowns, with weapons and communication devices recovered. However, no politicians have been detained.

Observers note that successive governments have tried to ban such groups, but they keep reappearing under new names each election cycle. Security sources describe them as increasingly sophisticated, with clear structures and networks.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who plans to run for president after his 2024 impeachment, has been repeatedly targeted. He claims state sponsored gangs have attacked him and his allies at churches more than 20 times. Opposition leaders and civil society groups accuse police of colluding with gangs or ignoring violence at rallies.

The death of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga last October has further unsettled the political landscape. His ODM party has split into rival factions, with clashes between supporters and police leaving one man dead in February.

Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura denied claims that gangs are state sponsored, insisting that anyone financing or supporting them will be held accountable. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja told parliament that security agencies have identified those behind the chaos and vowed to stop the “goons and guns.”

Despite these assurances, critics argue that the government’s response is inconsistent, strong in words but weak in action. Security analyst Robert Chege described the crisis as self inflicted, sustained by political patronage networks. He warned that the real architects of violence remain hidden.

Recent by elections in western and central Kenya were marred by violence, with polling agents attacked and armed groups clashing during vote counting. Analysts say these incidents paint a troubling picture of a country where political rivalry increasingly spills into organised street violence.