Experts Warn That Political Exploitation of Protests, Goonism Risk Undermining Civic Expression

As calls grow for greater accountability and reform in Kenya’s security and political systems, prominent analysts and lawmakers are warning that recent protests and unrest, including the attack on Parliament, have exposed deep vulnerabilities in policing, public order, and civic engagement.

According to former police spokesperson Charles Owino, many demonstrations, though rooted in legitimate economic and tax grievances, have been hijacked by political actors who allow “goons to infiltrate genuine protests and escalate actions beyond economic and tax grievances into unlawful destruction at Parliament.”

“Kenyans acknowledge the legitimacy of youth concerns; civic expression must be exercised decently, without violence or political manipulation,” Owino said, stressing that political exploitation of protests threatens both public safety and the credibility of legitimate dissent.

He added that proper policing and clear command structures are essential: “Command responsibility in policing must be understood differently from the military, because officers often make split-second decisions independently and therefore bear individual liability for unlawful actions.” According to him, only when a field commander gives explicit orders does liability shift upward. In extreme situations like the Parliament attack, a commander may be held responsible if lethal orders are later judged unjustified.

Owino argued that breakdowns in rule of law often start when local administrators — such as chiefs — are threatened and respond by illicitly hiring “goons” to enforce order. He said that strengthening police capacity and public education is vital so that enforcement aligns with legal norms and protects everyone, including officials and ordinary citizens.

“Addressing goonism requires educating the public on the police’s role in maintaining law and order while fostering mutual respect that must also be earned through professional conduct,” Owino observed.

Citizens’ Rights

Saku MP Dido Rasso echoed the call for deeper civic literacy, especially around constitutional rights and the function of Parliament. Many Kenyans, he said, “misunderstand the role of Parliament,” failing to realize that under Articles 95 and 96 of the Constitution they are empowered to petition their representatives and influence legislation.

“Effective lawmaking must be shaped by public input… constituents must be able to highlight gaps so that Parliament can amend existing laws through structured, people-driven processes,” Rasso argued.

He added that annual human rights reports should be more than data — they must “translate into solutions by identifying gaps in law and guiding both government and citizens on necessary reforms.” He urged a culture of meaningful public participation, akin to U.S.-style town halls, so that legislation and oversight gain legitimacy and broad-based consensus.

Rasso also emphasized that independent oversight bodies such as Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) play a crucial role “in guarding the guard.” When citizens overstep legal lines, and when policing lapses, these institutions are vital in maintaining accountability and preventing escalation that could lead to loss of life.

The Problem of Goonism

Rasso and Owino both pointed out that the recent rise of “goons” among youth is less about unemployment and more about deliberate criminal intent. According to Rasso, these gangs exploit businesses and communities through extortion, threats and intimidation for quick money, especially in politically contested areas.

“Some regions remain free from politically mobilised goons due to strong community ties,” Rasso noted, but recent by-elections have shown how quickly peace can shift. He urged authorities such as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the National Police Service (NPS) to proactively secure hotspots to prevent intimidation, ensuring that elections are decided “by ideas, not force.”

Owino added that the police have quietly succeeded in arresting numerous goons during by-elections — underscoring that law enforcement can contain political violence if sufficiently resourced and supported. But he warned that courts must also act decisively.

“Courts must process cases swiftly and decisively to signal that breaking the law carries real consequences,” Rasso said, warning that reluctance by the judiciary or police to follow through can lead to extrajudicial actions, societal distrust and a breakdown of legal order.

Towards Legal, Peaceful Civic Engagement

Both Owino and Rasso emphasised that the path forward lies in strengthening public understanding of rights and responsibilities, improving police training and accountability, and expanding civic education so that citizens can leverage constitutional mechanisms to influence policy — rather than resorting to violence.

“Widespread education on economic, social, and cultural rights is essential to strengthen national cohesion by helping citizens understand both the scope of their freedoms and the limits required to protect others,” Owino said. He stressed that emphasising lawful conduct and shared responsibility helps communities address root causes of conflict while organising socially, culturally and economically for collective progress.