The government has identified 109 organised criminal gangs and groups operating across Kenya, raising concerns over violence, intimidation, extortion and the possible use of criminal networks to disrupt political activities ahead of the 2027 General Election.
According to Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo, the number has risen from the 89 groups declared illegal in 2016.
Western Kenya has the highest concentration, with 38 groups, followed by the Rift Valley with 22, Nairobi with 20, Nyanza with 12, Coast with 11, Eastern with three, North-Eastern with two and Central with one.
The government says 1,827 suspects were arrested and arraigned between January 1 and August 31, 2026 over offences linked to goonism and organised criminal activity.
Trans Nzoia recorded the highest number of arrests at 491.
During the same period, courts secured 729 convictions, with the Rift Valley accounting for 36.5 per cent of the convictions. Another 716 cases remain pending before the courts, according to the government.
Omollo said security agencies were shifting their focus from individual offenders to the wider networks that facilitate organised crime.
Investigators are targeting gang leaders, recruiters and financiers while tracing links between apparently separate criminal incidents. Financial investigations are also being pursued to establish the proceeds of extortion, robbery, illegal businesses and other organised criminal activities.
The government said the spread of small arms and light weapons, particularly in vulnerable border areas, and increasingly decentralised gang structures were complicating efforts to dismantle the networks.
The Inspector-General of Police has consequently directed regional police commanders to take “firm, decisive and lawful action” against criminal gangs and organised violence.
Police officers found, through due process, to have facilitated criminal activity or failed to take appropriate action will face administrative or disciplinary measures, the government said.
Political violence warning
The government warned against the recruitment or mobilisation of organised youth groups for political intimidation, attacks or harassment.
Omollo said citizens have a constitutional right to participate in political activities, but violence and intimidation have no place in the electoral process.
Security agencies will maintain visibility during political activities and take lawful action against criminal conduct, regardless of those involved, he said.
Those who recruit, finance or direct criminal groups will also be pursued alongside individuals who carry out the violence.
Government turns to rehabilitation
The government acknowledged that enforcement alone would not permanently address organised criminality, particularly among young people who are recruited through promises of quick money or coercion.
It said it would therefore combine arrests and prosecutions with prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.
The initiative will involve the Probation and Aftercare Service, Kenya Prisons Service, county governments, faith-based organisations and community leaders to help former gang members reintegrate into their communities.
The government also urged young people to take advantage of programmes such as the NYOTA Programme and Hustler Fund to pursue legitimate livelihoods.
Parents, teachers, religious leaders and community leaders were similarly urged to help steer young people away from criminal groups.
Members of the public have been encouraged to report suspected criminal activity through credible channels, including the Fichua kwa DCI toll-free number 0800 722 203 and police emergency lines.
The government says it will continue strengthening intelligence-led policing, investigations and prosecutions as Kenya approaches the 2027 election.
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