Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi has waded into the debate surrounding the violence witnessed in Homa Bay during the Linda Mwananchi Movement’s tour, accusing political elites of using organised gangs to intimidate opponents.
Ahmednasir argued that what he described as “goonism” has historically been used as a political tool in Kenya, particularly in areas where political leaders have influence over state institutions.
His remarks came a day after clashes in Homa Bay left several people injured and vehicles and other property damaged.
In a statement shared on Monday, August 17, Ahmednasir claimed that political violence involving organised groups flourishes when individuals with access to power are able to influence the conduct of security agencies.
He alleged that such groups operate with either direct or indirect protection from sections of the state, allowing them to target political opponents with limited consequences.
“Goonism in the history of political violence in Kenya is uniquely a LUO THING,” Ahmednasir said, linking the phenomenon specifically to Luo political leaders and communities.
He further alleged that the practice becomes more prominent when politicians from the region acquire influence within the national government, arguing that political power at the centre can be translated into influence over events in their home regions.
Ahmednasir said police officers should instead be allowed to perform their constitutional responsibility of maintaining law and order regardless of the political affiliations of those involved.
“For the Government of Kenya, allowing goonism flourish in Luo Nyanza is a stupid idea,” he said, calling on authorities to allow political groups to organise freely while ensuring that police enforce the law.
The senior counsel also questioned whether individuals allegedly associated with political violence should occupy senior positions within the government's security architecture.
His remarks come amid growing scrutiny over the security response to Sunday's violence in Homa Bay, where rival groups clashed during the Linda Mwananchi tour.
Reports from the incident indicated that several people were injured, journalists were attacked and vehicles were damaged or set ablaze. Police also arrested several suspects in connection with the violence and recovered crude weapons during security operations.
The clashes have triggered accusations from rival political camps, with supporters of the Linda Mwananchi movement accusing their opponents of organising attacks, while some political leaders allied to the region have rejected the allegations and accused the movement of provoking tensions.
Ahmednasir's statement has added to a wider national debate over political violence, police neutrality and the responsibility of political leaders to prevent supporters from resorting to violence.
His comments, however, constitute his assessment of the events and allegations surrounding political violence; claims of organised political sponsorship or state protection would require independent investigation and evidence before being established as fact.