The Kenyan government has raised concerns over the increasing presence of organised criminal groups and gangs involved in violence, intimidation, and extortion. Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr. Raymond Omollo warned that this trend poses a serious security threat as the country approaches the 2027 General Election. The government is particularly concerned about the use of organised youth groups for political intimidation, attacks, and harassment.
According to the government, 109 organised criminal gangs and groups are operating across the country, an increase from the 89 groups declared illegal in 2016. Western Kenya accounts for the highest number of groups, with 38, followed by Rift Valley with 22, Nairobi with 20, Nyanza with 12, Coast with 11, Eastern with 3, North Eastern with 2, and Central with 1. The government stated that these figures highlight the scale of the challenge and the need for a coordinated response.
Between January 1 and August 31, 2026, security agencies arrested and arraigned 1,827 suspects over offences linked to 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 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.
Security agencies have 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.
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 to have facilitated criminal activity or failed to take appropriate action would face administrative or disciplinary measures.
The government is placing prevention, rehabilitation, and reintegration alongside enforcement measures. Authorities intend to support people leaving criminal groups to rebuild their lives and return to their communities as productive members. The government is encouraging young people to take advantage of programmes supporting employment, enterprise development, and access to finance, such as the NYOTA Programme and Hustler Fund.
Key points
- The Kenyan government has identified 109 organised criminal gangs operating across the country.
- The government warns that the use of organised youth groups for political intimidation and violence will not be tolerated ahead of the 2027 General Election.
- Authorities are shifting their approach to dismantle gang networks and are pursuing prevention, rehabilitation, and reintegration measures.
