Authorities in Kisumu have banned the use of private security personnel at political rallies in a series of measures aimed at curbing goonism and strengthening security across the county.
The directive was announced on Wednesday following a Joint County Security Committee meeting co-chaired by Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o and County Commissioner Ramadhan Mwabudzo, which brought together national and county security agencies to address emerging security concerns.
Speaking after the meeting, Commissioner Mwabudzo said Kisumu has enough police officers to provide security during political gatherings, urging leaders to notify authorities in advance to ensure proper deployment.
"We've already had two to three functions without any goons, and they were successful. We're looking forward to formal agreements with all the leaders where we will no longer need the services of the goons. Kisumu County has enough security which can be provided at the request of the leaders at all times," he said.
Governor Nyong’o supported the move, saying reliance on private security personnel at political events may be fueling the rise of goonism.
"We had a meeting in Kirembe, which is one of the biggest that I've attended. There were no goons, nobody was harassed, and people came. If the goons were there that day, they moved the title and became citizens. Let us have confidence in ourselves that we can educate citizens like you and me," he said.
The committee also unveiled a six-point security action plan. It includes a crackdown on criminal gangs operating under the guise of providing security, joint operations targeting criminal elements in the matatu sector, installation of floodlights and high-definition CCTV cameras in strategic areas, reactivation of the Kisumu County Rapid Response Team, and the establishment of village and neighbourhood security committees to strengthen community policing and intelligence gathering.
Mwabudzo urged residents to support security agencies by reporting suspicious activity, saying security is a shared responsibility.
“Security is a shared responsibility. We call upon members of the public to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities promptly and support our security officers as we work together to make Kisumu safer for everyone,” he said.
He added that the coordinated efforts by both national and county governments are aimed at dismantling organised criminal networks, protecting businesses and residents, and creating a safer environment for investment and economic growth.
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