Government Identifies 109 Criminal Gangs, Warns Against Political Violence Ahead of 2027

The government has raised concern over the growing presence of criminal gangs and organised groups involved in violence, intimidation, extortion and other illegal activities, warning that the trend poses a serious security threat as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election.

Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo said of particular concern was the use of organised youth groups for political intimidation, attacks and harassment.

He warned that the trend could entrench criminality, undermine the rule of law and weaken public confidence in institutions responsible for governance and justice.

Government Identifies 109 Organised Criminal Groups

The government has identified 109 organised criminal gangs and groups operating across the country, an increase from the 89 groups declared illegal through Gazette Notice No. 10427 of 2016.

Western Kenya accounts for the highest number, with 38 groups, followed by:

• Rift Valley – 22
• Nairobi – 20
• Nyanza – 12
• Coast – 11
• Eastern – 3
• North Eastern – 2
• Central – 1

The government said the figures highlight the scale of the challenge and the need for a coordinated response involving security agencies, communities and other stakeholders.

1,827 Suspects Arrested in 2026

Between January 1 and August 31, 2026, security agencies arrested and arraigned 1,827 suspects over offences linked to goonism and organised criminal activity.

Trans Nzoia recorded the highest number of arrests at 491.

During the same period, authorities secured 729 convictions, with the Rift Valley accounting for 36.5 per cent of all convictions.

A further 716 cases remain before the courts.

The government said the figures demonstrate that the response to organised criminal activity goes beyond arrests to include investigations, prosecutions and convictions.

Warning Against Use of Gangs in Politics

The government reiterated that every Kenyan has a constitutional right to participate in political activities, but warned that violence, intimidation and the use of criminal groups to advance political interests would not be tolerated.

As the country prepares for the 2027 General Election, security agencies will remain alert to attempts to mobilise criminal gangs or organised youth groups for intimidation, disruption or violence.

Authorities said they would maintain an appropriate security presence during political activities and take lawful action against criminal conduct regardless of who is involved.

Those who recruit, finance or direct criminal groups will also be held accountable alongside individuals who participate in acts of violence, the government warned.

Focus Shifts to Gang Networks

Security agencies have also shifted their approach from targeting individual offenders to dismantling the networks that allow organised criminal activity to survive and regenerate.

Through intelligence-led policing, investigators are seeking to identify gang leaders, recruiters and financiers while linking cases and establishing connections between seemingly unrelated incidents.

Where evidence supports such action, financial investigations are being pursued to trace proceeds linked to extortion, robbery, illegal businesses and other organised criminal activities.

The government acknowledged that the work is being complicated by increasingly decentralised gang structures and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, particularly along vulnerable border areas.

To address the challenge, authorities are strengthening multi-agency cooperation, community-based intelligence gathering and collaboration with neighbouring countries where criminal activities cross borders.

Police Commanders Directed to Act

The Inspector-General of Police has directed Regional Police Commanders to take firm, decisive and lawful action against criminal gangs and organised violence within their areas of command.

The government also warned that police officers found, through due process, to have facilitated criminal activity or failed to take appropriate action would face administrative or disciplinary measures.

Government Turns to Rehabilitation

While arrests and prosecutions remain necessary, the government acknowledged that enforcement alone cannot permanently eliminate organised criminality.

Authorities noted that some offenders return to crime after release because they return to the same circumstances and networks that initially recruited them.

The government also recognised that many people drawn into criminal groups are young people who may be attracted by promises of quick money or coerced and exploited by individuals financing or directing violence.

Limited economic opportunities were identified as one factor leaving young people vulnerable to such exploitation, although authorities stressed that difficult circumstances do not excuse criminal conduct.

Young People Urged to Take Up Economic Opportunities

The government said it is therefore placing prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration alongside enforcement measures.

Working with the Probation and Aftercare Service, Kenya Prisons Service, county governments, faith-based organisations and community leaders, authorities intend to support people leaving criminal groups to rebuild their lives and return to their communities as productive members.

The Kenya Kwanza administration is also encouraging young people to take advantage of government programmes supporting employment, enterprise development and access to finance, including the NYOTA Programme and Hustler Fund.

The government further called on parents, guardians, teachers and religious and community leaders to help steer young people away from criminal groups.

Public Urged to Report Criminal Activity

Members of the public have also been urged to report suspected criminal activity through credible channels.

The government cited the Fichua kwa DCI initiative on toll-free number 0800 722 203, as well as police emergency numbers, as avenues through which members of the public can provide information.

Dr Omollo said the government would continue strengthening intelligence-led policing, investigations and prosecutions while pursuing prevention and rehabilitation measures.

He reiterated that security agencies would act firmly, lawfully and decisively to protect lives, property and communities and ensure that individuals involved in criminal activity face the law.