The debate over goonism and political violence in Kenya has taken another turn after Gen Z Baddie challenged Kenyans to look beyond politicians and examine the role of ordinary citizens in enabling violent groups. Speaking about the situation in Homa Bay, she argued that the people involved on the ground were not necessarily politicians but individuals known within local communities.
Highlights
- Gen Z Baddie says politicians should not carry all the blame for goonism.
- She referenced the recent situation in Homa Bay.
- She questioned the role of local residents in enabling violence.
- Her remarks shift attention towards community responsibility.
- She spoke about the issue during an SPM Buzz interview.
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Gen Z Baddie Challenges the Goonism Narrative
The conversation around political goonism in Kenya has often focused heavily on politicians accused of recruiting or facilitating groups involved in violence.
However, Gen Z Baddie believes the discussion should also examine what happens at community level.
Speaking during an SPM Buzz interview, she acknowledged that politicians have a role to play but argued that Kenyans themselves cannot completely distance themselves from the problem.
“It Falls Down to Kenyans”
Reflecting on events in Homa Bay, Gen Z Baddie said she did not see political leaders physically involved in the violence.
Instead, she claimed that some of the people on the ground were neighbours or individuals known within the community.
Her argument was that this makes the issue more complicated than simply blaming politicians.
According to her, communities also have a responsibility to question, reject and avoid enabling individuals involved in acts of violence.
A Bigger Conversation About Political Violence
The remarks come amid continued public debate about the use of goons during political events and demonstrations in Kenya.
Critics have frequently accused political actors of using organised groups to intimidate opponents or disrupt gatherings, while politicians have at times denied responsibility for violent incidents.
Gen Z Baddie’s perspective introduces another dimension to the conversation — whether communities themselves sometimes enable the same behaviour by accepting, protecting or normalising individuals involved.
The Role of Young Kenyans
For many young Kenyans, particularly those who have become increasingly vocal about politics and accountability, the question of responsibility extends beyond elected leaders.
It also involves citizens who participate in political mobilisation, provide support to violent groups or remain silent when such behaviour occurs within their communities.
The debate therefore raises a difficult question: if political violence is carried out by people who are part of local communities, who should ultimately be held accountable?
Gen Z Baddie’s comments suggest that confronting goonism may require more than pointing fingers at politicians — it may also require communities to examine their own role.
Watch the Full Interview
Gen Z Baddie shared the remarks during an interview with SPM Buzz, where she discussed the state of goonism and political violence in Kenya.
The full conversation is available on the SPM Buzz YouTube channel.
If political violence is a problem shared by politicians and citizens alike, perhaps accountability must begin closer to home than many Kenyans are willing to admit.
