Politics, crime and chaos: Alarm over ‘protected’ Eldoret gangs

Alarm in Eldoret as Politically Protected Criminal Gangs Fuel Crime and Chaos
A disturbing trend of criminal gangs operating under the protection of powerful political patrons is fueling a surge in violence and lawlessness in Uasin Gishu County, a new report has revealed. According to the study, these well-organized groups, with names like ‘Confirm’ and ‘Jeshi’, are increasingly being weaponized by politicians to intimidate rivals, disrupt public meetings, and mobilize youth during election periods, creating a cycle of crime and impunity that local police seem powerless to break.
The report details how these gangs have evolved from petty crime to more sophisticated and violent offenses, including armed robbery, extortion, and politically motivated assaults. Their alleged political connections are cited as a primary reason for their brazen operations, as they are often shielded from arrest and prosecution. When a gang is known to have the backing of a political figure, it becomes very difficult for law enforcement to act, fearing reprisals or transfers, stated a community leader who spoke on condition of anonymity. This protection has emboldened the groups, allowing them to terrorize residents in estates like Langas, Huruma, and Munyaka.
Security experts and civil society groups have raised the alarm over the long-term implications of this nexus between crime and politics. They warn that it is eroding public trust in institutions and could destabilize the region’s social and economic fabric. We are creating monsters that will soon be beyond anyone’s control. These gangs, once nurtured for political gain, eventually develop their own agendas and become a threat to everyone, including their former sponsors, cautioned a local human rights activist.
Calls are now growing for a decisive, impartial, and high-level intervention to dismantle these networks. Residents and security analysts are urging national investigative bodies to step in and pursue the financiers and sponsors of these gangs, not just the foot soldiers. The future stability of the region is seen to hinge on the willingness of both the political class and the security apparatus to sever these toxic links. Without a concerted effort to arrest the kingpins and their backers, experts warn that the cycle of crime and chaos in Eldoret is likely to intensify, posing a grave threat to the security of its residents.