Systemic use of 'goons' in Kenya amplifies political repression

Summary

With one year to go before Kenya's 2027 presidential election, human rights organizations are sounding the alarm. They are denouncing the rise of “goons”—henchmen recruited by political leaders to infiltrate rallies, sow chaos, and intimidate opponents. This is a long-standing phenomenon that has worsened significantly since the large-scale protests against William Ruto’s government.