Gov't Identifies 109 Criminal Gangs as It Steps Up Crackdown

The Government has identified 109 organised criminal gangs and groups operating across the country as security agencies intensify efforts to combat organised crime ahead of the 2027 General Election. 

In a statement on Tuesday, October 6, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the number of identified groups had increased from the 89 groups declared illegal in 2016. 

Of the 109 groups, 38 are in Western, 22 in Rift Valley, 20 in Nairobi, 12 in Nyanza, 11 in Coast, three in Eastern, two in North-Eastern and one in Central. 

Omollo said the rise in criminal gangs was a growing security concern, particularly because of the involvement of organised youth groups in political activities.

"In the recent past, the country has witnessed a worrying surge in criminal gangs and organised groups involved in violence, intimidation, extortion and other criminal activities," the statement read.

Omollo said the use of organised youth groups in political activities could have serious implications for security and governance as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.

"Of serious concern is the use of organised youth groups for political intimidation, attacks and harassment. This risks entrenching criminality, undermining the rule of law and eroding public confidence in institutions of governance and justice. It is a serious security concern as the country approaches the 2027 General Election," the statement added.

According to Omollo, between January 1 and August 31, 2026, security agencies arrested and arraigned 1,827 suspects over offences relating to goonsim and organised criminal activity.

Trans Nzoia recorded the highest number of arrests at 491 during the period. 

Authorities also secured 729 convictions, with the Rift Valley accounting for 36.5 percent of all convictions. A further 716 cases remain before the courts.

Omollo said the government's response was not limited to arrests, with security agencies pursuing cases through investigation, prosecution and conviction.

"These figures show that the response goes beyond arrests to investigation, prosecution and conviction," the statement further read.

Omollo said security agencies would remain vigilant as the country approaches the 2027 General Election and would respond to attempts to use criminal gangs or organised youth groups to disrupt political activities.

"As we approach the 2027 General Election, security agencies will remain alert to any attempt to mobilise criminal gangs or organised youth groups for intimidation, disruption or violence. Security agencies will maintain appropriate visibility during political activities and will take lawful action against criminal conduct, regardless of who is involved," the statement noted.

Omollo said security agencies have also shifted their focus from individual offenders to the networks that facilitate and sustain organised criminal activity.

Through intelligence-led policing, investigators are identifying gang leaders, recruiters and financiers while linking cases and establishing connections between incidents that may initially appear unrelated.

Omollo said authorities were also pursuing financial investigations where evidence pointed to proceeds from organised criminal activities.

"Where evidence supports it, financial investigations are being pursued to trace proceeds from extortion, robbery, illegal businesses and other organised criminal activity," the statement read.

Omollo said the fight against organised crime had been complicated by decentralised gang structures and the spread of small arms and light weapons, particularly in vulnerable border areas.

He said the government was strengthening cooperation between security agencies, communities and neighbouring countries to address criminal activities that cross borders.

Further, 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.

Omollo also warned that police officers found to have facilitated criminal activities or failed to take appropriate action would face administrative or disciplinary measures.

"At the same time, officers found, through due process, to have facilitated criminal activity or failed to take appropriate action will face administrative and/or disciplinary action," the statement added.

The government is also seeking to address the factors that expose young people to recruitment into criminal groups, including economic vulnerability, coercion and promises of quick money.

Omollo said some young people were being used by individuals who finance and direct violence, before being abandoned after the criminal activities.

"The Government is therefore placing prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration alongside enforcement. Working with the Probation and Aftercare Service, the Kenya Prisons Service, county governments, faith-based organisations and community leaders, we will support those who leave criminal groups to rebuild their lives and return to their communities as productive members," the statement further read.

Omollo called on families, schools, religious institutions and community leaders to play a role in preventing young people from being recruited into criminal groups.

"While we continue to strengthen intelligence-led policing, investigations and prosecutions; we call on parents, guardians, teachers, and religious and community leaders to walk with us in steering young people away from these groups," the statement concluded.

Elsewhere, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has stepped up measures to address security concerns in Nairobi ahead of the 2027 polls.

In an update on Sunday, October 4, the DCI said measures are being implemented under the multi-agency security framework as agencies seek to create an environment that will support a free, fair and credible election.

"As the nation prepares for the 2027 General Election, security agencies under the multi-agency framework continue to put measures in place to ensure a safe and secure environment conducive to a free, fair, and credible election," the agency said.

According to the DCI, under the leadership of the Regional Criminal Investigations Officer (RCIO), Setim Kandie, the DCI has put in place measures to tackle emerging and persistent security challenges across the Nairobi region.

The security concerns being addressed include goonism, misinformation and disinformation, as well as different forms of robbery, including phone snatching and motor vehicle theft.

The DCI is also targeting the 'kazi majuu' scams, which have continued to pose a security and public safety concern.

"While addressing the media in Nairobi, the RCIO assured Nairobi residents of an open-door policy in addressing security concerns. He encouraged members of the public to continue sharing information on issues affecting their security to facilitate timely and appropriate police action," the agency added.