Simba Arati Sparks Debate After Defending ‘Goons’ as Victims of Poverty

KISII, Kenya — Kisii Governor Simba Arati has sparked a heated public debate after defending youths commonly described as “goons,” arguing that many are vulnerable citizens driven by poverty to seek any available means of earning a living.

Speaking during a public gathering, Arati challenged political leaders who have used the term to describe young people accused of disrupting political meetings, confronting rivals and engaging in political confrontations.

“I want to put the record straight,” Arati said, arguing that the youths should be viewed primarily through the lens of their economic circumstances.

He added that even if the youths were considered “goons,” their actions should be understood against the backdrop of their need to make a living.

Arati Calls for Empathy Towards Struggling Youth

The governor urged political leaders to show greater empathy towards Kenyans struggling to provide for their families.

Arati argued that economic inequality means some citizens do not have access to the same opportunities as those occupying political and professional positions.

He questioned why people struggling to put food on their tables should be condemned without consideration of the circumstances that pushed them into informal or politically linked work.

According to the governor, some of the young people involved in street-level political activities could otherwise be employed in formal workplaces if they had access to better opportunities.

“It’s because they don’t have anything, that’s why they are doing what they’re doing at the moment,” he said.

Governor Turns ‘Goon’ Label on Political Critics

Arati also took aim at political opponents who, according to him, lecture others about the conduct of young people while failing to understand the economic pressures facing them.

He urged Kenyans to “perceive other people as human beings,” arguing that poverty had pushed some youths into difficult circumstances.

The governor went further by accusing one of his political critics of being the “goon number one,” turning the language used against the youths back on his opponents.

His remarks have since generated debate over whether poverty should be considered an explanation for politically disruptive behaviour and where the line should be drawn between economic vulnerability and unlawful conduct.

Arati Defends Youths Earning From County Opportunities

The Kisii governor also called for respect for people earning even small amounts of money, saying every Kenyan has a right to seek an income to support their family.

He criticised attempts by political actors to interfere with funds intended for public programmes and local economic opportunities.

“Tafadhali, tuwache hawa watu pia watengeneze pesa kidogo ya county,” Arati said, adding that he would not surrender public funds to individuals seeking to benefit from county resources.

The remarks have added another dimension to the political debate in Kisii, particularly over the role of young people in political mobilisation and the use of public resources.

Remarks Trigger Debate Over Political Violence and Poverty

Arati’s comments have drawn criticism from those who argue that economic hardship cannot be used to justify intimidation, violence or disruption of political events.

Others, however, view his remarks as highlighting the economic vulnerability of young people who can become involved in political activities because of unemployment and limited economic opportunities.

The controversy has therefore renewed a broader national conversation about youth unemployment, political mobilisation, poverty and the use of young people in political confrontations.

While Arati defended the youths as people seeking to survive, critics are likely to continue questioning whether political leaders should condemn or tolerate conduct that threatens public order regardless of the economic circumstances of those involved.