President William Ruto broke his silence following the chaos witnessed on Sunday, November 30, in Kariobangi North, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was attacked during a church service.
Speaking on Monday, December 1, in Nairobi, the Head of State issued a firm directive to the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, instructing him to take immediate action against goons and their financiers.
Ruto condemned the rising incidents of political hooliganism, stressing that the government will not allow organised groups to compromise national security. He insisted that all individuals responsible for sponsoring or participating in acts of violence must face the full force of the law.
“We are a country that follows the rule of law. Those who use young people as goons to cause chaos, fight citizens, and bring harm are people we cannot tolerate,” Ruto stated.
“I have already instructed our Inspector General of Police that all these individuals must face strict legal action so we can end hooliganism and activities that undermine safety in our nation.”
Murkomen Warns Against Rising Political Use of Armed Goons
The President’s directive came just hours after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen raised concerns over the growing trend of politicians mobilising armed youths to accompany them to meetings. Murkomen described this as a dangerous culture that threatens national stability.
“There is a phenomenon that has grown in the country where politicians, when they want to go for meetings, mobilise goons to cheer them. They are carrying machetes, rungus and other weapons,” Murkomen said.
“The most important thing we must deal with in the next few months is the issue of goons across the country. This must be done without fear or favour.”
NPS Explains the Kariobangi North Incident as Gachagua Blames the State
The incident in Kariobangi North unfolded as Gachagua attended a service at a PCEA church. According to a statement by the National Police Service (NPS), the violence stemmed from escalating clashes between two rival youth groups.
Police officers on duty reportedly noted an imminent threat as one group attempted to force its way into the church, prompting officers to call for reinforcements.
“Towards the end of the service, officers noted a large group of rowdy youths armed with crude weapons attempting to force their way into the church. Reinforcements were promptly called,” NPS stated.
The situation worsened when a second group approached, seemingly ready for confrontation. Police intervention caused the scuffle to spill into the church, briefly interrupting the service.
Several individuals were injured and required emergency medical attention following the chaos.
Meanwhile, Gachagua blamed the government for the incident, accusing the state of hiring goons to silence dissenting voices and intimidate residents. He claimed that the attack was politically motivated and linked it to the recent by-elections, where a UDA candidate was rejected.
“For the record, William Ruto, sending goons and police to attack us at the PCEA church today to punish the people of Kariobangi North for rejecting your UDA candidate shows how desperate you are,” Gachagua alleged. He claimed two DCP supporters were shot and were hospitalised with serious injuries.
As investigations continue, President Ruto has maintained that law enforcement must decisively dismantle networks of political hooliganism to safeguard peace and stability nationwide.
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