Political activist Morara Kebaso has issued a stark warning over what he describes as a dangerous and escalating trend in Kenya’s political landscape.
His remarks come amid growing public concern over incidents in the November 27 By-Elections, where rival youths, were deployed to intimidate, disrupt, or control political activities.
Kebaso argues that the continued tolerance of such tactics is not merely a threat to democratic space but a precursor to long-term instability.
He notes that when the state appears to sanction or ignore the presence of organised thugs in politics, the message to every politician becomes clear: to survive, one must recruit their own militia.
According to Kebaso, this dynamic creates a self-feeding cycle that evolves into what he calls an “economy of violence.”
In his assessment on X, the widespread unemployment among young people makes them vulnerable to recruitment by political actors who offer payment or protection in exchange for loyalty.
Kebaso further warned that gangs, once rooted in local power structures, can transform into rebel-style militias capable of overpowering state security—especially when emboldened by tribal loyalties or backed by external forces seeking influence over resources.
“When you allow the use of armed youth in form of goons protected by police to manage politics the message to every politician in the country is clear,@ Kebaso wrote on X.
Morara argues that this convergence of youth militancy, political patronage, and foreign interests creates a volatile mix with the potential to destabilize entire regions.
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