ODM leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has called for an end to political violence in Kenya, warning that the growing culture of hiring goons to disrupt public events is undermining democracy and threatening public order.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, during the presentation of the Framework for Reparations for Victims of Human Rights Violations to President William Ruto by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), Oburu said political leaders must take responsibility for ending the practice.
He noted that the use of hired groups to disrupt meetings and demonstrations had become widespread across the political divide.
“We have very many goons. Almost every politician nowadays recruits goons to disrupt functions. Goons are being hired by both sides,” Oburu said.
Political violence threatens democracy
The veteran politician warned that political goonism has evolved into a lucrative enterprise where individuals switch allegiances depending on who is willing to pay them.
According to him, the trend has created an environment where violence and intimidation are increasingly used to settle political disputes, weakening democratic institutions and discouraging meaningful public participation.
“These ones hire them today, tomorrow you go and hire them, and you pay them. This culture of goonism must be stopped completely,” he stated.
Oburu urged political leaders to embrace peaceful engagement and respect differing opinions instead of resorting to disruptive tactics.
Call for clear protest framework
The ODM leader also called for the establishment of a legal framework to guide demonstrations, picketing, and public assemblies in line with constitutional provisions.
He argued that while Kenyans have a constitutional right to protest, there is a need for legislation that ensures demonstrations remain peaceful and that participants are protected.
“We need a framework to operationalise the Constitution, providing clear legislation for demonstrations, picketing, and public assemblies, so Kenyans can demonstrate peacefully, protected by their own police,” he said.
Oburu emphasized that peaceful protests should not involve violence, destruction of property, or the carrying of weapons.
“When you go to the street, you do not carry a machete, a stone, or any weapon at all. You just go to the street peacefully,” he added.
Praise for human rights initiatives
While condemning political violence, Oburu welcomed what he described as progress in advancing human rights under President William Ruto’s administration.
He said the protection of human rights was among the key issues discussed when ODM entered into a broad-based working arrangement with the government.
“I am very happy that President William Ruto and my brother worked closely on human rights. When we joined this broad-based arrangement, human rights was a key concern,” he said.
The senator added that respect for human rights remains central to Kenya’s democratic growth and social stability.
Support for reparations programme
Oburu also expressed support for the reparations programme aimed at addressing historical human rights violations, describing it as an important step toward acknowledging the suffering endured by victims and their families.
Paying tribute to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, he said the ODM leader had dedicated much of his life to the struggle for freedom, democracy, and human rights.
“My brother Raila Odinga held human rights very dearly to his heart, and he fought for it. Half of his life was dedicated to fighting for human rights and the liberation of our country,” Oburu said.
He expressed hope that the KNCHR-led process would reach all deserving families and help ensure that past human rights abuses are never repeated in Kenya.
