Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has instructed the Inspector General of Police to intensify efforts to dismantle organized criminal gangs, citing their detrimental impact on Kenya’s security, economy, and social stability.
Speaking Friday, Murkomen expressed alarm over the resurgence of gangs in urban and densely populated areas, accusing some political leaders of exploiting unemployed youth for personal and political agendas.
“It is worrying that instead of supporting government initiatives to create jobs and empower the youth, such leaders are fueling chaos through criminal gangs to gain power,” he said.
Murkomen highlighted the gangs’ involvement in crimes such as robberies, extortion, land grabbing, cybercrimes, and cross-border offenses, including human trafficking and drug smuggling. He referenced the notorious Mungiki and Sungu Sungu gangs, which terrorized communities in the 2000s, leaving behind a legacy of unemployment and mental health challenges.
The CS called for proactive measures, including enhanced intelligence gathering, public awareness campaigns, and prosecuting gang members and their financiers. “Public servants, including police officers, found abetting these crimes will be sacked and charged. No one is above the law,” he warned.
Murkomen also condemned the use of gangs to influence elections, linking their resurgence to the 2007-2008 post-election violence. He assured Kenyans of the government’s commitment to peace and security.
His remarks follow accusations by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who claimed the government had revived the outlawed Mungiki sect to suppress dissent in the Mount Kenya region. Gachagua alleged the group, led by Maina Njenga, is now aligned with the administration and targeting critics.
Murkomen emphasized that the government remains steadfast in its mission to combat organized crime and ensure stability across the country.
