Criminal gangs in Kenya are taking the center stage across counties, a report by the Interior Ministry reveals.
Compiled under the Jukwaa La Usalama framework, the government says most of the gangs are relatively new and armophous but used mostly during elections.
’’These gangs pose a challenge to law and order and impede economic activities,” reads the report that was presented to President William Ruto on Tuesday.
Nairobi leads the list of gangland with an estimated 130 groups recorded. Counties on the security radar for gangs include Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Vihiga, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Trans Nzoia. Others are Mombasa, Murang’a and Machakos.
”Majority of the gangs are concentrated in urban and peri-urban areas, but some have penetrated rural communities in the counties,” the report notes.
The gangs are largely used in violent disruptions of rallies, coercion of local populations and enforcement of political loyalty.
The report links the sustainability of the gangs to politicians, criminal activities and extortions.
Some of the gangs identified in the report and said to be still active include Jessi Jung’s, 42 brothers, M23, Kapenguria Six, and Usiku Sacco that largely operates in counties in Western Kenya.
In Nakuru, gangs such as Confirm, Watetezi, are said to be still active despite police crackdown. Gaza and Mungiki gangs are active in Machakos county and are mostly used to invade land and control mining activities.
At the coast, Team Mashamba and Mawoza are used by land grabbers especially in Mombasa and Kilifi counties