People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has accused President William Ruto’s administration of allegedly using goons to suppress opposition activities and settle political scores.
Speaking in South Ngariama, Murinduko Ward in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, Karua said Kenyans do not want a political environment characterised by violence, intimidation and attacks on political gatherings.
“If you know Kenyans do not want you, it is you who should leave this country, not us,” Karua said, drawing applause from residents.
Karua Claims Goons Deployed During Protests
The former Justice Minister accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of allegedly sponsoring attacks on opposition rallies, claiming that groups of youths are sometimes deployed alongside police officers to disrupt demonstrations.
“Nairobi goons are brought whenever there are protests, armed with rungus. I have never seen a time when police officers move together with goons. This is the first government of goons moving with goons, goons beating people and destroying their property as police watch and stand,” she said.
Karua’s allegations have not been independently established.
Karua Compares Alleged Groups to Militias
Karua went further to compare what she described as government-linked goons to armed militias, including Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Janjaweed.
She warned that such tactics could threaten the safety and constitutional rights of Kenyan citizens.
Karua also called on police officers to resist being used to suppress citizens and instead remain guided by the Constitution when carrying out their duties.
“Please, you are our brothers and sisters, don’t be used to make us refugees. Protect our people the way police did in Ol Kalou,” she said.
Her remarks come amid heightened political tensions in the country, with opposition leaders increasingly accusing the government of using security agencies and organised groups to disrupt their political activities.
