Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has raised alarm over the growing threat of organised criminal gangs in Kenya, telling Parliament that more than 100 such groups are currently active across the country.
Appearing before a parliamentary committee, Murkomen said the gangs – often referred to as “goons” – have evolved from loosely organised street groups into structured criminal networks with links to political actors.
According to the CS, some of these groups are allegedly used to influence political outcomes and facilitate illegal economic activities, including land grabbing.
Rise of “Goonism” Ahead of 2027
Murkomen’s remarks come amid a sharp rise in what observers describe as “goonism”—the organised deployment of hired youth gangs to disrupt political events, intimidate rivals, and destroy property.
Between 2024 and early 2026, this trend has intensified, with a growing “hire-a-thug” economy reportedly taking root across the political landscape.
Politicians at various levels are accused of financing such groups to advance their interests ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Recent incidents have included attacks on political motorcades and the disruption of rallies, particularly those linked to figures such as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
From Street Gangs to Organised Crime
Murkomen told lawmakers that beyond political violence, these gangs are increasingly involved in serious criminal activities, including drug trafficking, sale of illicit brews, extortion, and land-related disputes.
He highlighted cases where organised groups are allegedly hired to invade private land, particularly in areas such as Mavoko, Kitale, Nakuru, Kakamega, and Nairobi.
In some instances, squatters are later brought in to complicate eviction processes, creating prolonged legal battles for property owners.
Osotsi Attack Suspects Flee Country
The CS also updated MPs on investigations into the attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, revealing that 14 out of 21 suspects linked to the incident have fled to a neighbouring country.
He said the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), working alongside the National Police Service, had circulated images of the suspects, prompting three individuals to surrender.
“What happened to the Osotsi issue is that the DCI circulated the pictures. Three of them presented themselves. The rest of the 13 or 14 ran out of the country to the neighbouring country,” Murkomen said.
Security agencies are now coordinating with foreign counterparts to track the suspects, with the CS expressing confidence that they will be arrested upon re-entry into Kenya.
Concerns Over Protests Turning Violent
Murkomen also cautioned that public protests are increasingly being infiltrated by criminal elements. He told the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security that demonstrations are sometimes used as cover for crimes such as looting and robbery.
“When we hear public protests, it is no longer a civilised protest. It is actually a mobilisation of gangs, thieves and robbers,” he said.
The CS’s briefing paints a picture of a shifting security landscape, where political competition, organised crime, and urban violence are becoming increasingly intertwined.
With the 2027 elections approaching, authorities now face mounting pressure to dismantle these networks and restore public confidence in security systems.
