Violence for Hire: Why Goon Culture Undermines Kenya's Democracy

Goon Culture & Democracy This October, Sauti Sessions Network we will explore the growing threat of political violence in Kenya and specifically how it undermines democratic processes. Focus Areas 1.      Goon or mobilizer? At what point does political mobilization become political violence? Who creates the goon? Is it the individual or the political system? Ø  Look at the economic/social conditions that drive political violence such as unemployment, political patronage, political parties and individual responsibility. 2.      Impact on democracy Have we normalized violence as part of our democratic process? Can democracy exist in an environment of fear? Ø  Suppression of political participation, unequal access to political space, silences dissent and opposition, weakens trust in democratic institutions, culture of impunity etc. Is democracy about the freedom to choose or the freedom to participate without fear? 3.      Accountability The visible perpetrator vs the sponsor - Are we criminalizing young people while ignoring the people who organize, finance, mobilize, enable or benefit from it? What will it take to dismantle the networks? Why is no one being prosecuted? Does political protection make the goon culture thrive? Who bears greater responsibility? PANELIST DISCUSSION: Byron Adera – Security expert 2. Darius Okolla – Political Economy Researcher, Odipo Dev 3. Ngina Kirori - Investigative Journalist, NTV 4. Njeri Mwangi– Storyteller & Human Rights Activist Performing Artists: Dorphanage – Poet, Performing Artist, Writer Kethan—Musician, and songwriter