Babu Owino Accuses State of Sponsoring Goon Attacks Against Orengo, Sifuna in Kisumu

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino on Tuesday accused the government of sponsoring goon attacks targeting Linda Mwananchi leaders, claiming the State is using violence to suppress dissent.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Owino alleged that the administration has a “monopoly of violence” and is now deploying hired youths to attack leaders critical of the government.

“In Kenya, we don’t have a government. We have a ‘goon-vernment.’ There is no government at all in this nation because the government already has a monopoly of violence. It is the most violent state. It has the tools of violence,” Owino stated.

He further claimed that security forces are being complemented by hired civilians to intimidate opponents.

“Because the government already has a monopoly of violence. It is the most violent state. It has the tools of violence. It has police officers, not limited to even the military. And now that the government is even unleashing goons on its citizens,” he said.

Owino linked the attacks to recent incidents in Kisumu involving Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. According to him, the goons were mobilized specifically to disrupt and assault the two Linda Mwananchi leaders.

The MP condemned the recruitment of young men for political violence, saying they are being paid paltry sums to risk their lives and those of others.

“It’s quite unfortunate that these boys are only paid 500 shillings, at most 1,000 Kenya shillings, to take the life of a fellow Kenyan. A Kenyan who cannot afford school fees for their child, just as you can’t as a goon,” Owino said.

Owino’s remarks come amid rising political tensions and reports of chaos at opposition gatherings in various parts of the country. The incidents in Kisumu involving Orengo and Sifuna drew widespread condemnation from opposition leaders, who accused the State of failing to protect leaders and citizens during political events.

The Embakasi East lawmaker called on the government to stop what he termed as state-sponsored violence and instead focus on addressing unemployment and the high cost of living.