Ruto: I have confidence police will crush goons

President William Ruto has expressed confidence in the National Police Service's ability to eradicate goonism across the country.

The President assured that the government is determined to ensure that all Kenyans can conduct their businesses and participate in politics without fear of violence or intimidation.

Speaking on Thursday at State House, Nairobi, when he hosted artisans from the capital, Ruto said the country had reached a consensus on the need to eliminate what he described as goonism, which has increasingly been linked to political violence and public disorder.

"These goons, there are people who have been sympathetic to them. We are all now in agreement that we will end goonism in the country," the President said.

He assured Kenyans that the government would not relent in its efforts to restore law and order, drawing parallels with past security operations against terrorism and banditry.

"We are going to have a secure country and all Kenyans will run their businesses without fear. The same way we dealt with terrorists and cattle rustlers is the same way we will deal with goons," Ruto said.

The President maintained that every Kenyan should be free to engage in economic activities and politics without interference from violent groups.

"All Kenyans will be free to do their business and do politics without interference of goons," he said.

Ruto also expressed confidence in the National Police Service, saying officers were capable of delivering on their constitutional mandate to protect lives and property.

"I have confidence in the National Police Service that they will deliver in their mandate to make sure that our country is secure," he said.

The President cited what he described as the government's success in confronting terrorism and banditry, saying similar resolve would be applied in tackling criminal gangs.

"Those terrorists who made life difficult for us, we annihilated them. Bandits and cattle rustlers are not anymore. Those who burnt businesses during demonstrations are no more also," he said.

His remarks come amid growing concern over the presence of organised groups of goons at political events, public demonstrations and even official functions. The groups have been accused of disrupting gatherings, assaulting perceived opponents and intimidating members of the public, raising concerns over public safety and the rule of law.

The issue has generated widespread condemnation from political leaders, civil society organisations and human rights groups, who have called for impartial investigations and accountability for those involved in organising or financing acts of political violence.

Security experts have also warned that the continued use of hired gangs during political contests undermines democratic institutions, erodes public confidence in the electoral process and threatens peaceful political participation.