A parliamentary committee has raised alarm about the resurgence of criminal gangs and escalating political violence, warning that this trend threatens national security and the credibility of the 2027 General Election.
The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security called on the Ministry of Interior to act quickly, warning against a repetition of past election cycles plagued by militia-style groups.
Committee Chairperson and Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo emphasized that early intervention is crucial to prevent criminal networks from expanding during the election period.
“We want the country to be secure. We cannot permit gangs that have previously flourished during elections to reappear as we approach the 2027 General Election,” Tongoyo stated.
He referenced previous crackdowns as examples, urging current security leaders to implement decisive measures.
“Consider what your predecessors, such as John Michuki, did to eliminate these gangs. I trust that you are capable of securing this nation,” he added.
These comments were made during a high-level meeting with Interior Cabinet Secretary Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen, Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja, and Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin, amid rising concerns about insecurity nationwide.
Lawmakers highlighted a concerning increase in organized crime, banditry, and politically motivated violence, demanding that security agencies specify concrete measures to restore order and safeguard the electoral process.
Saku MP and Committee Vice-Chairperson Dido Rasso cautioned that gangs are becoming more established in urban and peri-urban regions, advocating for a change in policing strategies.
“The problem of gangs and thugs is increasingly impacting urban and peri-urban areas. Moving forward, we must reconsider our policing approach. Policing evolves, and we may require specialized units to manage such situations,” Rasso stated.
He also promoted more focused strategies in addressing insecurity, especially cattle rustling.
“Targeted, intelligence-driven operations can be more efficient and ultimately conserve government resources,” he pointed out.
Interior CS Murkomen, however, depicted a concerning picture of a developing culture of politically motivated violence, claiming that certain leaders are recruiting unemployed youth to interfere with opposing events.
“This trend is highly troubling. It undermines democratic space, diminishes public trust in governance institutions, and threatens to destabilize the country during a politically vulnerable time,” Murkomen stated.
According to the CS, informal groups are transforming into organized entities connected to political factions, with multiple incidents already under investigation.
To address this threat, the National Police Service has increased patrols, boosted presence at political gatherings, and improved intelligence collection to prevent violence.
Officials have also implemented rapid response teams and strengthened enforcement of the Public Order Act.
Murkomen cautioned politicians against inflammatory speech, connecting it to escalating tensions in the country.
“The National Police Service neither does nor will collaborate with criminal gangs to maintain order,” he stated, rejecting allegations of police involvement.
He additionally criticized some political figures for disregarding legal requirements when organizing public events, noting that such oversights create vulnerabilities frequently used by opposing groups.
When local police resources are insufficient, the government activates a multi-agency response including the Kenya Prisons Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, and Kenya Forest Service.
The CS urged political leaders to adopt peaceful approaches and respect legal principles, warning that persistent dependence on violence could have severe implications for national stability as the 2027 elections draw near.