Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo/XThe Government has identified 109 organised criminal gangs and groups operating across the country as security agencies intensify efforts to curb violence, intimidation and other criminal activities ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo said the number of identified groups had increased from the 89 gangs declared illegal through Gazette Notice No. 10427 of 2016.
Western has the highest number, with 38 groups, followed by Rift Valley with 22 and Nairobi with 20. Nyanza has 12 groups, Coast 11, Eastern three, North-Eastern two and Central one.
Omollo said the increase was a serious security concern, particularly amid the reported use of organised youth groups for political intimidation, attacks and harassment.
“Violence, intimidation and the use of criminal groups to advance political interests have no place in that process,” he said.
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, 729 convictions were secured, with Rift Valley accounting for 36.5 per cent of all convictions. Another 716 cases remain before the courts.
Omollo said the figures showed that the Government's response went beyond arrests to include investigations, prosecution and convictions.
As the country approaches the 2027 General Election, security agencies will remain alert to attempts to mobilise criminal gangs or organised youth groups for intimidation, disruption or violence, he said.
“Security agencies will maintain appropriate visibility during political activities and will take lawful action against criminal conduct, regardless of who is involved,” Omollo said.
He added that those who recruit, finance or direct such groups would also face accountability alongside those who carry out violence.
The security agencies have also shifted their focus from individual offenders to the wider networks that support and sustain criminal activity.
Through intelligence-led policing, investigators are identifying gang leaders, recruiters and financiers while linking cases and establishing connections between separate incidents.
Where evidence supports it, financial investigations are being pursued to trace proceeds from extortion, robbery, illegal businesses and other organised criminal activity.
Omollo said the work had been complicated by decentralised gang structures and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, particularly along vulnerable border areas.
The Government is therefore strengthening multi-agency cooperation, community-based intelligence and collaboration with neighbouring countries where criminal activities cross borders.
The Inspector-General of Police has directed Regional Police Commanders to take “firm, decisive and lawful action” against criminal gangs and organised violence in their areas of command.
Officers found through due process to have facilitated criminal activity or failed to take appropriate action will face administrative or disciplinary action.
However, Omollo said enforcement alone would not permanently end organised criminality.
“Arrests and prosecutions are necessary, but on their own they cannot permanently end organised criminality,” he said.
The Government will also focus on prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration, particularly for young people drawn into criminal groups.
Working with the Probation and Aftercare Service, Kenya Prisons Service, county governments, faith-based organisations and community leaders, the Government will support those leaving criminal groups to rebuild their lives and return to their communities.
Omollo also encouraged young people to take up Government programmes supporting employment, enterprise development and access to finance, including the NYOTA Programme and Hustler Fund.
He urged parents, guardians, teachers, religious leaders and community leaders to help steer young people away from criminal groups.
Members of the public were also urged to report suspected criminal activity through credible channels, including the Fichua kwa DCI initiative on toll-free number 0800 722 203 and police emergency numbers.
