At least 84 suspected goons have been arrested in a series of police operations conducted across Nairobi in recent weeks, as authorities intensify efforts to curb rising urban crime.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said the arrests followed intelligence-led patrols targeting criminal gangs operating within the city. He emphasized that law enforcement will not tolerate the use of organized groups to intimidate and terrorize residents.
“In Nairobi, we have arrested a total of 84 suspected gang members and goons. These include different types of criminal groups: 48 are linked to motorcycle gangs, while 11 are land-based gangs, some of whom were found with weapons including bows and arrows,” Mohamud said.
Police also impounded 194 motorcycles during the operation, with 48 directly linked to the suspected criminal groups.
Some of the suspects were intercepted while allegedly heading to Kikuyu in Kiambu County, where chaos had broken out during an opposition rally, pointing to what police believe is organized mobilization of goons to disrupt public events.
Mohamud, who addressed the press alongside senior officers including Regional Criminal Investigation Officer Daniel Kandie, warned individuals against allowing themselves to be recruited into criminal activities.
The crackdown comes amid growing concern over a spike in incidents where gangs—often riding motorcycles—have attacked unsuspecting members of the public, leaving several injured and heightening insecurity in parts of the city.
Police are now under increasing pressure to dismantle the networks behind the attacks and restore public confidence in safety.
At the same time, Mohamud issued a stern warning to protest organizers, urging strict adherence to the law governing public assemblies.
“Of late, there has been a lot of impunity. Some organizers either fail to give notification or deviate from agreed routes, leading to disruptions,” he said.
He reiterated that while police do not oppose lawful demonstrations, only those that meet legal requirements will be facilitated.
“This month alone, we have allowed 18 protests and processions. However, to guard against criminal infiltration, organizers must issue a 14-day notice. Events notified outside this period will not be permitted,” he added.
Authorities say the notice requirement is critical in ensuring order, protecting property, and preventing protests from being hijacked by criminal elements.
He also dismissed the protests scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, citing that the National Police Service (NPS) has not been notified of any planned procession.
Following the hike in fuel prices, Kenyans online expressed their dissatisfaction with the current regime by calling for protests on Tuesday next week, with posters circulating on social media.
In a press briefing on Friday, the police chief clarified that the NPS does not oppose picketing but noted that officers must be given a 14-day notice for all planned protests and public gatherings.
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