ByPerez Karisa, July 2, 2026
The Kisumu County Security Committee has outlawed the use of private security details, political bodyguards and informal youth security groups during public political rallies, in a sweeping crackdown aimed at ending the rising cases of organized political violence and goonism in the county.
The directive, announced by Kisumu County Commissioner Ramadhan Mwambudzo, requires all politicians holding public meetings to rely exclusively on the National Police Service (NPS) for security arrangements. Authorities say the move is intended to restore order, guarantee public safety and prevent politically sponsored violence ahead of the 2027 General Election campaigns.
Speaking after a county security meeting, Mwambudzo said the era of politicians arriving at rallies flanked by privately recruited musclemen is over, warning that anyone found violating the directive will face the full force of the law.
He explained that security at all political gatherings will now be coordinated through the National Police Service, with organizers expected to notify police in advance to facilitate adequate deployment of uniformed officers for crowd control, traffic management and VIP protection.
According to the county commissioner, only duly authorized police officers will be permitted to provide security services at political events, eliminating the need for politicians to hire private guards or recruit supporters to act as unofficial security personnel.
Mwambudzo said the county security team had resolved to intensify operations against individuals masquerading as political bodyguards, many of whom have allegedly been involved in assaulting rivals, intimidating members of the public, disrupting meetings and carrying offensive weapons.
He warned that police will arrest, disarm and prosecute anyone found operating as an illegal political security handler or participating in unauthorized security groups during political events.
Security agencies have also been directed to monitor political gatherings closely to identify individuals hired to provoke violence or disrupt meetings under the guise of providing protection to politicians.
The county commissioner emphasized that the directive applies equally to all political parties and leaders regardless of their political affiliation, insisting that no individual will receive preferential treatment.
The decision follows a series of violent political incidents that have raised concern among security agencies in Kisumu County.
Among the incidents cited by authorities were violent confrontations during a funeral in Muhoroni, where rival political supporters clashed, causing panic and disrupting mourners. Security officials also referenced an assault involving prominent politicians in Nyakach that further heightened concerns over the increasing involvement of organized youth groups in political activities.
According to the county security committee, such incidents have demonstrated a growing trend in which politicians rely on privately assembled groups for protection, only for those groups to become involved in violence, intimidation and destruction of property.
Authorities believe removing these unofficial security teams from political events will significantly reduce tensions and allow police to respond more effectively whenever disturbances arise.
The Kisumu directive is part of a broader national campaign by the government to dismantle politically sponsored gangs and restore order during public gatherings.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen recently directed security agencies across the country to launch a multi-agency operation targeting political goons, illegal security outfits and individuals financing violence during political activities.
Murkomen warned that the government would not tolerate leaders who recruit unemployed youth to intimidate opponents or disrupt democratic processes, saying those found culpable would face criminal prosecution regardless of their political status.
The ministry has since instructed county security committees to strengthen intelligence gathering, identify criminal networks operating under political sponsorship and ensure that public meetings remain peaceful.
With political activity expected to intensify as the country edges closer to the 2027 General Election, security officials say maintaining law and order will be a top priority.
Residents have been urged to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting individuals carrying weapons or engaging in suspicious activities during political events.
The National Police Service has also encouraged political parties to work closely with local security commanders when organizing rallies to ensure adequate deployment of officers and minimize the risk of violence.
County officials expressed confidence that the new measures will help create a safer political environment, protect constitutional freedoms of assembly and expression, and ensure that campaigns are conducted peacefully without intimidation or the influence of criminal gangs.
