Kenya's parliament summoned the country's top security chiefs after Senator Godfrey Osotsi said hooded youths assaulted him in Kisumu last month, in an attack that stirred nationwide outrage and fears of politically linked violence. [1]
Osotsi said the attackers stopped him after he had gone for coffee following a haircut and asked why he was not backing President William Ruto's re-election bid. He said the assault was politically motivated. [1]
The case has revived concern over criminal gangs used to intimidate voters in Kenya's elections. The country has a history of politically sponsored gangs, and the 2007 post-election violence left about 1,500 people dead. [1]
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen told a parliamentary committee the government was struggling to contain gangs that had become "sophisticated and decentralised networks". He said more than 104 local criminal gangs were active in Kenya, many under the patronage of politicians. [1]
Murkomen also said: "The gangs are owned by political leaders who play a significant role in mobilising people. It is chaotic. An irresponsible leader". [1]
The unrest has added to tensions as Kenya heads toward its next nationwide vote, expected within up to 15 months. [1]
