The Kenyan government through its security agencies have identified 109 organised criminal gangs and groups operating across the country, raising fresh concerns over the possible use of criminal networks and organised youth groups to fuel political intimidation and violence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo said the government was particularly concerned about the recruitment and mobilisation of young people to disrupt political activities, intimidate opponents and cause violence.
The warning comes as political activity gathers momentum ahead of the August 2027 elections, with various political formations already holding rallies and mobilising supporters across different parts of the country.
Western Kenya leads in number of gangs
According to the government, the 109 groups represent an increase from the 89 criminal groups declared illegal in 2016 through Gazette Notice No. 10427.
Western Kenya has the highest number, with 38 groups, followed by the Rift Valley with 22 and Nairobi with 20. Nyanza has 12, the Coast 11, Eastern three, North Eastern two and Central one.
The figures underline the scale of the security challenge facing authorities as the country approaches another highly competitive election cycle.
Omollo warned that the use of criminal groups for political purposes could undermine the rule of law and weaken public confidence in state institutions.
He maintained that Kenyans have a constitutional right to participate in political activities, but said violence and intimidation cannot be used to advance political interests.
1,827 suspects arrested
The government also disclosed that security agencies had arrested and arraigned 1,827 suspects over offences associated with goonism and organised criminal activity between January 1 and August 31, 2026.
Trans Nzoia recorded the highest number of arrests at 491.
During the same period, authorities secured 729 convictions, while another 716 cases remained before the courts. The Rift Valley accounted for 36.5% of the convictions recorded during the period.
The government says its strategy is no longer limited to arresting individuals suspected of committing crimes.
Instead, investigators are increasingly focusing on the wider networks behind organised criminal activity, including identifying alleged leaders, recruiters and financiers and establishing links between separate criminal incidents.
Where evidence permits, authorities are also pursuing financial investigations aimed at tracing money associated with extortion, robbery and other illegal activities.
Government warns political financiers
Omollo issued a particularly strong warning to individuals who may attempt to use criminal gangs to influence political contests.
He said those who recruit, finance or direct criminal groups would be held accountable alongside people who physically commit acts of violence.
The government has also directed regional police commanders to take firm and lawful action against organised criminal groups in their areas of command.
Police officers found, through due process, to have facilitated criminal activities or failed to respond appropriately will also face administrative or disciplinary action.
The warning comes against the backdrop of growing concerns over political violence as the 2027 election approaches.
A recent analysis by the Institute for Security Studies highlighted concerns about so-called political goonism, where young people can be mobilised to disrupt rallies, intimidate political opponents or interfere with public gatherings.
Concerns over repeat of election violence
Kenya has a history of politically linked violence, particularly around highly contested elections.
Human Rights Watch recently warned that attacks targeting civil society and opposition gatherings had created concerns about political rights and security ahead of the 2027 polls.
The organisation called for transparent investigations and accountability for those responsible for violence.
The renewed focus on organised gangs therefore comes at a sensitive time, with political parties expected to intensify mobilisation as the election draws closer.
The government says security agencies will maintain a visible presence during political activities and respond to criminal conduct regardless of the political affiliation of those involved.
Government says arrests alone are not enough
Despite the intensified crackdown, Omollo acknowledged that arrests and prosecutions alone cannot permanently eliminate organised criminality.
The government says some young people are drawn into criminal groups by promises of quick money, while others may be exploited or coerced by individuals who finance and direct criminal activities.
Authorities consequently plan to combine law enforcement with prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.
The government intends to work with the Probation and Aftercare Service, Kenya Prisons Service, county governments, religious organisations and community leaders to support people leaving criminal groups.
Young people have also been encouraged to pursue legitimate employment and enterprise opportunities through programmes such as NYOTA and the Hustler Fund.
Communities urged to help prevent recruitment
Parents, guardians, teachers, religious leaders and community leaders have been urged to help identify and prevent the recruitment of young people into criminal networks.
The government argues that community intelligence will remain an important component of its security strategy, particularly as some criminal groups operate through decentralised networks.
The latest government figures also add to concerns contained in Kenya’s previous national security assessments, which identified unemployment, youthful vulnerability and political patronage among factors that can contribute to organised criminal activity.
With the 2027 General Election approaching, the government says its priority will be to prevent criminal networks from being transformed into instruments of political intimidation.
For millions of Kenyans preparing to participate in the next election, the effectiveness of that strategy could prove critical in determining whether political competition remains peaceful as the country heads towards the polls.
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