Concerns over the use of organised groups in Kenya’s political and protest environment have resurfaced after activist Boniface Mwangi made a series of allegations linking recent incidents of violence to a broader and recurring pattern.
Mwangi pointed to the March 27, 2023 incident at former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Northlands Farm in Ruiru, where intruders allegedly breached the perimeter fence, stole livestock, cut down trees and set parts of the property on fire.
He noted that no arrests or prosecutions have been publicly confirmed in connection with the attack.
He also referred to the 2024 Gen Z-led protests, alleging that demonstrators faced coordinated violence and that public infrastructure was damaged during the unrest.
He further raised concerns about alleged collaboration between some security personnel and criminal groups during the demonstrations.
In his statement, Mwangi directly blamed political leadership for what he described as the normalisation of violence in public life.
He said: “What’s unfortunate about this goon violence is that Ruto and Rigathi Gachagua started it. A few months after they were elected, they sent hired criminals to Uhuru Kenyatta’s Northlands Farm in Ruiru on March 27, 2023.”
Mwangi further alleged that no accountability followed the incident, adding: “No one was arrested or prosecuted.”
He went on to claim that similar tactics were used during later protests, saying: “A year later, in 2024, when Gachagua was still Ruto’s deputy president, he and Kasongo unleashed goons on Gen Z protesters.”
Mwangi also raised concerns about alleged targeting of protesters in subsequent demonstrations, including claims of sexual violence and selective prosecution, though these allegations remain unverified by independent authorities.
His remarks come amid renewed public debate on organised violence in the country.
A Nation review highlighted concerns over what it described as structured networks involving financiers, handlers and perpetrators behind repeated attacks on public figures and property, warning that continued impunity risks deepening mistrust in institutions.
Mwangi called for accountability and investigations into all allegations of politically linked violence, saying failure to act could worsen tensions ahead of future elections.