Nairobi, June 17 -- Recently, Kenyans have witnessed the infiltration and violent disruption of most civic and political gatherings by hired thugs, leaving a trail of injury and wanton destruction of property.

Trends in political rallies and meetings reveal a rise in "goon" culture. Hired persons are unleashed on gatherings to terrorise, disrupt meetings and cause mayhem. The aim is to intimidate citizens and consolidate and align political camps.

At the end of the stick, businessmen and property owners are left counting losses, most of which are not recoverable unless well-worded insurance covers are in place.

Courts have in the past interpreted insurance policies and clauses touching on insurable political risks. In many instances, p...