Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Dr Fred Matiang'i has asked the government to walk the talk on political goonism by arresting the perpetrators.
Dr Matiang'i stated that the reason political goonism is on the rise is the inaction of those in authority.
Speaking on Saturday at Tonga SDA Church in Nyamaiya, Nyamira County, during a thanksgiving service, Dr Matiang'i said it was wrong for police officers to look the other way while politicians continue to perpetrate goonism.
"This morning, before I came here, I passed by a hospital in Kisii to check on a young man who was injured by goons. As I was leaving the hospital, I met police officers at the hospital's entrance as they pursued the case. I told them they cannot keep looking the other way while politicians who claim to be friends of those in government continue to perpetrate and sponsor goonism," said Dr Matiang'i.
"I told those officers that they know we have worked well together. We cannot continue leading the country this way; youths are being maimed because of politics. Let's have decent politics where we talk and seek support with love and respect," said the Jubilee presidential hopeful.
Earlier on in the day, Dr Matiang'i called on the police to act swiftly and arrest those responsible for the attack on 31-year-old Obed Mogunda Somoni, a victim of political goonism in Kisii.
He spoke after his visit to check on Mr Mogunda at Chiron Hospital, following his referral from Hema for specialised treatment. Dr Matiang'i expressed concern that the perpetrators of the attack have not yet been apprehended.
Mr Mogunda was referred to the medical facility from Hema Hospital, where he had been admitted for a week. He is set to undergo specialised orthopaedic services following a fractured hip from the attack.
According to medical records in our possession, Mogunda is also suffering from head, hand, chest and stomach injuries, and he has been vomiting blood.
Dr Matiang'i stated that those in authority should put an end to political goonism, emphasising that Mr Mogunda's life nearly ended simply because he does not support those who sponsored the attack.
"This is unacceptable. A young life almost came to an abrupt halt. Politics is not enmity, and no one should be attacked or harmed in the name of politics," said Dr Matiang'i.
He added, "It is unfortunate that politicians are using young people to attack their peers, their only mistake being a lack of support."
As he left Chiron Hospital, Dr Matiang'i encountered police officers who were following up on Mogunda's case.
"It is shameful that attacks by political goonism are happening under the watch of some of you security officers. I am pleading with you to take charge and put an end to this. I have worked with you, and I know you are competent officers," Dr Matiang'i told them.
Mogunda had previously informed Nation that until a week ago, he was unaware he would spend days in a hospital bed recovering from injuries inflicted by others.
He was attacked by individuals he believes were political goons in Keumbu, Nyaribari Chache Constituency, on Sunday. He explained that he was heading to Keumbu for a political function when a group of goons ambushed him, beating him mercilessly before fleeing in fear of being caught by bystanders.
Mogunda, popularly known as Brandon, is from Bomachoge Borabu Constituency. He is a father of two and is expecting his third child with his wife. He fears for his young family and wonders how he will provide for them now that he is bedridden.
He explained that a Good Samaritan rescued him and rushed him to Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH), where he underwent an X-ray to assess the extent of his injuries.
"They stepped on my stomach and chest, and I have been vomiting blood," he said while at Hema Hospital, where he is currently admitted.
He requested to be moved to the privately owned hospital after fearing further attacks at KTRH, a public facility.
Mogunda is among millions of youths in the country who have openly expressed their political opinions. He often moves around Kisii County dressed in colourful attire representing his party of choice and carrying a placard for his favourite politician from Gusii.
