As Kenya prepares for the August 2027 general elections, a Catholic Bishop in the country has decried what he described as a growing phenomenon of “goonism” in the East African nation.
In his remarks during the Family Day and 20th Anniversary of Sts. Peter and Paul Kikuyu Parish of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi (ADN) on June 28, Bishop Obed Muriungi Karobia said acts of violence by goons are instilling fear among citizens and contradicting both Christian values and basic human dignity.
"There is a phenomenon arising in this country. Some of you have been victims of what is called goonism," the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Nairobi (ADN) said, echoing concerns that members of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) raised in their June 23 statement on the state of the East African nation.
The Auxiliary Bishop of the ADN likened goonism to terrorism, saying, “Goons are like terrorists because they can invade places, attack people, and leave them living in fear and terror. After all, who are terrorists? They are people who spread terror.”
Addressing not only political leaders but all Kenyans, the member of the Conventual Franciscan Friars (OFM Conv.), who was Consecrated Bishop on May 6, urged citizens not to allow themselves to be manipulated into engaging in violence for financial gain.
"I am not speaking only to political leaders but to all of you. Do not allow yourselves to be used," Bishop Karobia said, lamenting that some individuals accept small payments to commit acts that result in injuries, loss of life, and destruction of property.
He said, "You are paid a small amount of money, you end up causing people to suffer, spilling blood, leading to the deaths of others, and destroying people's property, is that truly Christianity?"
The 47-year-old Kenyan-born Catholic Church leader emphasized that actions by goons are not only contrary to the Christian faith but also violate the principles of humanity, stating, “Besides not being Christian, it is not even humane."
Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Pelayan Atasan Tertinggi / Most High Servant,
Yesus, Maria, Yusuf Pelayanan Kasih / Jesus, Mary, Joseph Ministry of Love
(Blessed and Saints and the Nine Choirs of Angels)
My vocation is Blessed and Saints.
"I am the most humble of all the Saints in Heaven" Mary, Mother of God."
"I am the handmaid of the Lord, said Mary ‘let what you have said be done to me."
Mother Mary is the most humble Saint in Heaven and she is also the Mother of God for us all
(Luke 1:38)
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