Belgut Member of Parliament Nelson Koech has urged politicians across Kenya to stop relying on groups commonly referred to as goons during political activities. He argued that leaders from both the government and opposition should work together to end the growing trend.
The legislator made the remarks during a television interview on Monday, July 13, 2026. He said the issue affects leaders across different political parties and should not become a tool for blaming only one political side.
Koech Says Every Political Camp Faces the Same Challenge
Koech maintained that politicians from different political formations have supporters who provide unofficial security during public events. He argued that leaders should acknowledge the problem instead of accusing only their rivals.
According to the MP, political leaders must take collective responsibility for changing the current situation. He said ending the practice would help improve public confidence in Kenya’s political environment.
The lawmaker warned that continued reliance on such groups sends the wrong message to young people. He added that leaders should demonstrate peaceful leadership through their actions rather than confrontational politics.
MP Calls for Leaders to Set Better Examples
Koech said politicians should compete through policies and development agendas instead of intimidation during campaigns. He noted that peaceful political engagement remains essential for strengthening democracy across the country.
The Belgut legislator also urged leaders to discourage supporters from disrupting rival political meetings. He argued that respect between competing parties would reduce unnecessary political tensions before future elections.
He maintained that every political camp should commit to promoting peaceful campaigns regardless of existing political differences. Such cooperation, he said, would benefit both leaders and ordinary citizens.
Remarks Follow Recent Political Tensions
Koech’s comments come as political violence continues attracting national attention following recent campaign events. Allegations involving intimidation and disruption have dominated public debate in several parts of the country.
Political leaders from both government and opposition camps have exchanged accusations over the alleged use of hired groups. Those claims have renewed calls for politicians to exercise restraint during public gatherings.
Recent incidents reported in Kisumu and Nyahururu have further intensified discussions about political conduct. The events prompted renewed concern from Kenyans calling for peaceful campaigns ahead of future elections.
Leaders Urged to Protect Democratic Space
The MP stressed that political competition should remain peaceful despite differences between rival parties. He encouraged leaders to focus on presenting their development plans instead of encouraging confrontations among supporters.
Koech also called on politicians to protect Kenya’s democratic space by promoting tolerance during campaigns. He argued that peaceful elections depend largely on the conduct demonstrated by political leaders themselves.
Observers have continued urging leaders to embrace responsible politics as campaign activities gather momentum across the country. Many believe reducing political hostility will require commitment from every political party instead of isolated efforts.
Koech’s remarks have added to the ongoing national conversation about political accountability and peaceful elections. His appeal comes as stakeholders continue encouraging leaders to place national unity above political competition.
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