We were lenient with protesters, they have now graduated to goons - Ruto

Speaking in Busia on Sunday, the President sought to allay fears that there will be chaos in the wake of increased goon attacks in political events.

"Irrespective of who we are, our persuasion, our political leaning, whatever it's that we believe in, we must have a peaceful nation. I want to assure you as the people of Kenya that we will have peaceful elections next year," Ruto said.

He said elections come and go and there is no need to destroy the country over a once-in-a-while exercise.

Referring to the 2024 Gen Z protests, Ruto said those events may have led to confusion and the birth of a group of goons, but he vowed his administration will stand firm and deal with any kind of goonism.

"We were lenient with those who were demonstrating, causing chaos, looting and burning property because we said they are our children. But we've seen how damaging that is. They have now graduated from protesters to goons. We have vowed to deal with all goons," Ruto said.

He promised to ensure peace and stability, and assured that everyone will be allowed to politic peacefully without interruption by goons.

This comes amid heightened political tensions, especially after the Ol Kalou by-election where goons terrorised residents. 

Armed to the teeth, the goons moved within the constituency, wreaking havoc even as residents stood their ground to protect their vote.

The government has been blamed for unleashing the goons, but Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen claims they were sent by opposition leader Rigathi Gachagua.

Murkomen has vowed to deal with the goons.