During recent anti-government protests, Kenyan authorities reportedly deployed "hired goons" to counter street demonstrations, leading to a troubling increase in their use as an alternative form of law enforcement.

• These groups, often openly armed and operating with apparent police complicity, were seen dismantling Gen Z gatherings and causing disruption in cities like Nairobi and Eldoret.
• A goon mobiliser named Swaleh Sonko gained notoriety on social media, discussing recruitment and coordination.
• This trend has expanded beyond protests, with goons now reportedly used to illegally enforce evictions, intimidate opponents, and attack properties of prominent figures like former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju and former Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera.