Kenya’s shadow army: How cheap thugs became a political necessity

In Kenya, ahead of crucial elections, unemployed and economically desperate youth in Nairobi are being hired at minimal cost to suppress political dissent. These individuals, referred to as a "shadow army," are operating while local police forces reportedly ignore their activities.

The hiring of these youth to carry out political violence reflects both the economic vulnerability of jobless young people and the willingness of political actors to exploit that vulnerability. The practice represents a strategy to eliminate opposition and control public discourse during a politically sensitive period.

The involvement of police in overlooking these activities suggests institutional complicity in the suppression of political opposition. This dynamic raises questions about the independence of law enforcement and the integrity of the electoral process during the upcoming elections.