Unemployed and economically vulnerable young people are increasingly being targeted for political violence, with some allegedly recruited for as little as Ksh200, Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Igonga has warned. As Kenya heads towards the 2027 General Election, the DPP says authorities must go beyond arresting those involved in violence and pursue the individuals financing, organising and recruiting them.
Highlights
- Some vulnerable youth are allegedly being recruited for as little as Ksh200.
- The DPP linked unemployment and financial hardship to vulnerability to recruitment.
- Authorities have been urged to pursue organisers and financiers of political violence.
- IEBC has been commended for taking the issue of goonism seriously.
- The DPP says credible evidence is critical for successful investigations and prosecutions.
Main Story
DPP Raises Concern Over Youth Recruitment
Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Igonga has raised concern over the exploitation of unemployed and vulnerable young people in political violence as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election.
According to Igonga, some young people are being drawn into acts of goonism because of economic difficulties, with small payments being enough to convince them to participate.
He said some of those involved may not fully understand the political interests behind the activities they are being asked to carry out.
The DPP’s comments highlight the connection between economic vulnerability and political mobilisation, particularly among young people struggling to find stable employment.
Focus Must Go Beyond the Gangs
Igonga said dealing with political violence requires authorities to identify more than the individuals seen carrying out acts of disruption.
He called for investigations targeting the people who recruit, coordinate and potentially finance groups involved in political violence.
The DPP’s position comes amid heightened attention on election-related violence and preparations for the 2027 polls.
He also welcomed steps by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to address the issue, including efforts to identify individuals allegedly connected to goonism.
Evidence Remains Key
While urging authorities to investigate suspected political violence, Igonga stressed that prosecutions ultimately depend on evidence.
He said members of the public frequently report alleged wrongdoing but can become reluctant to provide information or material that investigators can use to build cases.
According to the DPP, witnesses and members of the public have an important role to play in helping law enforcement establish what happened, identify those responsible and bring cases before the courts.
Youth Unemployment and Political Violence
The remarks have renewed attention on the economic pressures facing young Kenyans and how those challenges can leave some vulnerable to exploitation.
With the 2027 elections approaching, political parties, security agencies, electoral officials and civil society groups face growing pressure to prevent young people from being used as instruments of political violence.
Addressing unemployment and economic hardship could therefore form part of the broader effort to reduce the pool of vulnerable individuals who can be easily recruited for political activities.
At the same time, authorities will need credible evidence to establish who is behind such recruitment and ensure that responsibility extends beyond those found on the ground.
When poverty and unemployment become tools for political mobilisation, the real question is not only who is on the ground but who is sending them there.
