Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu has spoken out against the growing culture of political goonism, just days after finding herself at the center of controversy following allegations that she was accompanied by goons during an incident involving businessman and political commentator Kamau wa Kisumu.
In a lengthy statement shared on social media, Nyamu distanced herself from claims that she works with political goons, while at the same time warning leaders across the political divide against using young people as tools for intimidation and political violence.
“We joke about goons and sometimes we make light of the issue, but on a serious note, leaders across the political divide must stop using young men as political weapons,” Nyamu wrote.
The senator acknowledged that she had recently been linked to alleged goons, particularly after the widely discussed Kamau wa Kisumu incident. However, she insisted that the allegations were not supported by facts.
“I know I’ve been linked to goons recently, especially after the Kamau wa Kisumu incident. The facts, however, speak for themselves. The videos he posted show me with women and seven members of my staff after an operation we had been running that morning. But that is not even the point I want to make,” she stated.
Nyamu’s remarks come amid increasing public concern over the use of organized groups by politicians to disrupt meetings, intimidate opponents, and influence political activities ahead of the next election cycle.
The issue has become a hot topic in Kenya’s political discourse, with many Kenyans expressing concern that unemployed youth are increasingly being recruited into violent political activities.
In her statement, Nyamu warned that politicians who sponsor such groups may eventually lose control of them.
“The danger with breeding a goon culture is that it never remains under anyone’s control. Today they work for one politician, tomorrow they work for another. Their loyalty lies with the highest bidder. What we are creating today may become a monster we cannot manage tomorrow, especially as we head into an electioneering period,” she said.
Drawing parallels with notorious criminal and political gangs that once operated in the country, Nyamu called on security agencies to take decisive action before the problem escalates further.
“Just as the Kamjesh and Mungiki cultures were contained, police must rein in on this growing culture and eliminate political goonism before it becomes entrenched,” she added.
The senator also directed a strong message to Kenyan youth, urging them not to allow themselves to be exploited by politicians seeking political advantage.
She cited the example of three young men currently being held at Industrial Area Remand Prison, saying their situation should serve as a warning to others considering involvement in political violence.
“To our youth, do not allow yourselves to be used. The three who are in Industrial Area Remand right now should serve as an example to you. Politicians will move on, but you will be left to face the consequences alone. Your family will bear the pain,” she said.
Nyamu further noted that young people can still earn a living through legitimate campaign work and community engagement without exposing themselves to arrest, injury, or even death.
As speculation surrounding the Kamau wa Kisumu incident continues, the senator maintained that she has never hired or sponsored goons to target political opponents or private individuals.
“As for me, my position remains: I have never, and I will never, give any young person dirty work against an opponent or another person,” she stated.
She also dismissed claims that goons linked to the incident reversed M-Pesa transactions made by Kamau wa Kisumu’s supporters, terming the allegations mere rumors.
“And for the avoidance of doubt, even the stories about goons reversing M-Pesa payments at Kamau’s are just that, stories. It didn’t happen.”
Nyamu concluded her statement with a rallying call for leaders to promote responsible leadership rather than nurturing a culture of violence among the youth.
“Let us build leaders, not goons,” she declared.
Her comments have since sparked debate online, with some Kenyans applauding her stance against political violence, while others questioned the timing of the statement given the recent allegations that had linked her to individuals accused of engaging in goon-like activities.
Regardless, the senator’s remarks have added fresh momentum to the national conversation on political accountability, youth empowerment, and the growing concern over organized political violence in Kenya.
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