A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) from Kisumu, Kakamega, Siaya and Homa Bay counties has vowed to take the fight against goonism directly to politicians, accusing political leaders of enabling criminal gangs while failing to address the root causes of youth unemployment.
The organisations, meeting in Kisumu on Thursday under the Tupigane Na Ufisadi (TUNU) initiative, said the growing menace of politically-linked goons cannot be tackled through security operations alone unless leaders are held accountable for allegedly sponsoring or protecting them.
Speaking during the meeting, Kenned Anjejo, Coordinator of the Kisumu Accountability Alliance, challenged elected leaders to prioritise job creation for young people instead of leaving them vulnerable to political manipulation.
He argued that boda boda riding should not be the only livelihood available to university graduates, saying widespread unemployment has pushed many youths into hooliganism.
“The goonism conversation should be taken to the politicians’ doorstep. Leaders associated with these groups must be held accountable. We cannot secure Kisumu using goons, and we cannot use illegality to enforce the law. Let the police do their work,” Anjejo said.
He maintained that criminal gangs ultimately victimise ordinary citizens rather than the government, warning that normalising their activities only undermines public safety and the rule of law.
Anjejo further criticised what he described as a culture of political untouchability in parts of the region.
“People demand accountability from the President, yet when it comes to local politicians in Kisumu and neighbouring counties, many are afraid to question them. Leadership in Kisumu, Siaya, Kakamega and Homa Bay cannot be protected through goons,” he said.
He called on political leaders to create meaningful employment opportunities for young people instead of exploiting them for political interests.
Anjejo said the TUNU network had convened to review its anti-corruption and governance initiatives ahead of next year’s General Election, stressing that civil society organisations would continue pushing both national and county governments to uphold accountability.
He said the coalition seeks to strengthen collaboration with government agencies, the private sector and other non-state actors, adding that treating CSOs as adversaries undermines efforts to promote transparency and good governance.
The organisations also raised concerns over what they described as the apparent impunity enjoyed by criminal gangs, claiming that many goons operate openly without fear of arrest.
They called on regional security commanders and county commissioners to explain the continued attacks and take decisive action against those responsible.
Representing Kakamega County, Christin Yahama accused the government of allocating funds for development projects that never materialise, saying communities continue to suffer despite budgetary commitments.
She cited a stalled Level Four hospital project in Kakamega, saying its completion would significantly improve access to healthcare.
The TUNU coalition urged both national and county governments to complete stalled public projects instead of turning them into campaign promises during election periods, insisting that public resources must deliver tangible benefits to citizens rather than political mileage.
