Senators now demand crackdown on armed gangs ahead of polls

Senators have raised alarm over the resurgence of criminal gangs across several counties, warning that the groups could be exploited for political violence ahead of the polls.

The lawmakers called on security agencies to act decisively to dismantle the gangs, which they said were fuelling insecurity, extortion, and fear among residents.

“There are heightened concerns over rising insecurity and threats to the safety and well-being of Kenyans,” Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda said, triggering a debate on the floor of the Senate.

Ojienda asked the Senate’s Security Committee to establish measures being taken to restore order and protect communities. He said that recent police operations targeting gang activity had raised public concern over safety and demanded clarity on long-term prevention strategies.

“We want to know what measures are being implemented to prevent a recurrence of gang-related crime and to strengthen security in the counties,” Ojienda added.

He also sought details on support for affected communities, including protection of residents, accessible reporting channels, and rehabilitation programmes for former gang members.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei warned that the gangs risk being weaponised during the campaign period, saying politicians could deploy them to intimidate opponents and voters.

“As we get into the election mood, these criminal gangs will be used to terrorise people for political expediency. What we are seeing in Mombasa, Kisumu, Nairobi and Eldoret must be dealt with once and for all,” he said.

Cherargei further alleged that some county governments were recruiting enforcement officers and turning them into “mini-militias” to shield themselves from scrutiny and confront leaders who question their actions.

Mombasa Senator Mohamed Faki said gang activity had intensified in Kisauni, Likoni, and Mombasa town, forcing businesses to close early and putting workers at risk.

“It is worrying that criminals continue molesting Kenyans. Shop owners are closing early and hotel workers fear going home after 8 pm because they risk being attacked,” he said. Faki called for full implementation of community policing, tougher bond terms for suspects, and more police patrol vehicles in affected areas.

Nyandarua Senator John Methu said, “If we allow gangs to exist today, tomorrow they will turn against those who are using them. The police must remain apolitical."

Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua linked gang violence to conflicts over natural resources, citing attacks by armed groups in Mwingi Central during disputes over sand harvesting along the Mwanya River that left one person dead and several others injured.

His Narok counterpart Ledama Olekina urged colleagues to address the root causes of gang formation, particularly youth unemployment and rural-urban migration.

“Unless we deal with unemployment, we will not stop having problems in cities like Kisumu, Nairobi and Mombasa. Counties must re-engineer development plans to create jobs for young people,” he said.

Tharaka Nithi Senator Mwenda Gataya said impunity during political campaigns had allowed gangs to thrive, with some leaders allegedly moving with armed groups that intimidate rivals.

“This requires a national conversation and serious action regardless of political affiliation,” he said.

Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja warned that rising gang activity in Nakuru town was scaring away investors and undermining government youth empowerment programmes.

“People keep asking where the police are when robberies happen in broad daylight. Security officers must act swiftly so criminals know they will be arrested,” she said.

Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo said gangs had infiltrated political rallies and public demonstrations, sometimes operating under police protection, and warned that inequality and joblessness were driving young people into criminal networks.

“When youth lose hope and graduates remain jobless, many turn to gangs for survival,” he said.

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah argued that economic hardship was fuelling recruitment into gangs, saying security crackdowns alone would not solve the problem.