Photo: Okung Ndege Sirkal/Facebook
A chilling account by former University of Nairobi student leader Okung Ndege Sirkal has reignited debate over the use of hired goons in Kenyan politics, following the recent assault on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi in Kisumu.
In a detailed Facebook post, Sirkal narrated how he narrowly escaped death years ago after being recruited into a scheme to disrupt a political meeting in Machakos County.
His revelation comes amid growing claims that hired youth were behind the violent attack on Osotsi.
Sirkal clarified that although he has “never been a goon,” desperation during his student days pushed him into risky situations.
He recalled receiving an early morning call from Stitchez Johnvictor Ouko, who asked him to quickly assemble a group of “sharp boys” for a mission outside Nairobi.
Driven by financial hardship, Sirkal said they agreed, lured by promises of payment slightly higher than what he described as “the price of two frozen Chinese lizards.”
The assignment appeared simple: infiltrate a packed political meeting in Machakos town, strategically position themselves in the crowd, and disrupt proceedings by asking difficult questions that would trigger chaos.
According to Sirkal, they were assured of backup from sympathisers within the crowd who would support their actions once the disruption began. However, things took a dangerous turn mid-journey.
It was only after passing Mlolongo that they learned their target was the then Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama, a seasoned and influential political figure with a strong grassroots following. By then, turning back was no longer an option.
Upon arrival in Machakos town, the group was met with a charged atmosphere. Loud chants, ululations, and cheers from hundreds of supporters filled the air, raising doubts about the feasibility of their mission.
Before they could even step out of their vehicle, events took a violent and unexpected twist.
Sirkal recounted how a group of angry youth suddenly descended on a nearby group of women, accusing them of plotting to disrupt Muthama’s meeting. The mob turned violent, assaulting the women in full view of onlookers.
One chilling moment stood out.
“Start with the pregnant one,” a youth allegedly shouted as the group launched the attack.
Sirkal described the scene as chaotic and terrifying, saying it was at that moment they realised the grave danger they were in. The mob began inspecting nearby vehicles, raising fears they could be discovered.
The group quickly fled the scene, abandoning the mission altogether.
“As we drove off, everyone went silent,” he recalled, adding that the brutality they had witnessed forced them to reconsider their involvement.
The experience, he said, exposed the harsh reality of political manipulation, where young people are recruited, used, and often abandoned in volatile situations.
His account has drawn fresh attention to the growing concern over politically instigated violence, especially following the attack on Osotsi.