The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has warned politicians suspected of hiring goons that they will face the law, as security agencies intensify a crackdown that has seen 56 suspects arrested and charged in Homa Bay County.
The warning by Nyanza Regional Criminal Investigations Officer George Mutonya signals a focus on the alleged organisers and financiers of violence, beyond those suspected of carrying out attacks.
Speaking to journalists at his office, Mutonya said the Nyanza Regional Multi-Agency Intelligence Committee, led by the Regional Commissioner, was committed to addressing goonism and holding individuals involved in criminal activities accountable, regardless of their standing in society.
“Individuals involved in lawlessness will face the law irrespective of who they are in society,” Mutonya said, according to a DCI statement.
The crackdown comes amid heightened scrutiny of violence targeting political gatherings as Kenya approaches the August 2027 General Election.
On August 16, 2026, a convoy associated with the Linda Mwananchi political movement was attacked in Homa Bay, with reports describing violence that disrupted the group’s activities. Subsequent reporting and concerns raised by human rights organisations have placed renewed attention on the use of organised groups to intimidate political opponents and disrupt public gatherings.
The incidents have intensified questions about accountability for those who organise, finance or facilitate political violence, as well as the effectiveness of investigations into attacks on political actors and their supporters.
However, the DCI statement announcing the Homa Bay arrests did not establish that the 56 suspects were involved in the August 16 incident or any other specific attack on a political gathering.
DCI cites arrests as crackdown intensifies
Homa Bay Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer Peter Maina said the arrests demonstrated the authorities’ resolve to confront goonism in the county.
Maina identified the arrest of alleged gang leader Abdi Sebo among the developments in the ongoing operation.
According to the DCI statement, the 56 suspects have been charged with offences related to goonism. The statement did not specify the individual charges, the dates of arrest or the courts handling the cases.
It also did not name any politician accused of hiring the suspects or announce charges against political figures over alleged recruitment or financing of gangs.
The distinction is significant because establishing the responsibility of alleged organisers and financiers requires evidence linking specific individuals to criminal acts.
The suspects, including anyone accused of gang leadership, are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Security agencies seek public cooperation
Alongside arrests and prosecutions, security agencies have intensified public sensitisation campaigns aimed at discouraging residents from participating in violent groups.
The campaigns seek to encourage communities to reject intimidation and criminal activity while providing investigators with information that could help prevent further violence.
The agencies say intelligence-led investigations, public cooperation and sustained law enforcement are essential to protecting lives and property across Nyanza.
Mutonya’s warning places political accountability at the centre of the security operation. Its effectiveness will depend not only on arrests but also on whether investigators can establish responsibility through evidence and secure lawful prosecutions.
With political activity gathering momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, the response to alleged goonism will remain an important test of efforts to protect public gatherings and ensure that political participation takes place without intimidation.
The DCI says those found culpable will face the law, regardless of their social or political standing.
