Eldoret slums under siege: The shadowy rise of juvenile gang

Eldoret Slums Under Siege as Shadowy Juvenile Gang Sparks Terror
A wave of fear has gripped the slums of Eldoret as a shadowy criminal network, composed primarily of juveniles, tightens its grip on residents through brutal attacks and extortion. The gang, whose members are often minors, has been linked to a surge in violent muggings, armed robberies, and a pervasive protection racket that forces struggling business owners and homeowners to pay for their own safety. The alarming trend points to a deepening social crisis where youth, some as young as 14, are being weaponized for crime.
According to reports from Langas, Huruma, and Munyaka estates, the gang operates with brazen impunity, often attacking victims in their homes or on dark streets in the early evening. Their status as minors has complicated law enforcement efforts, creating a sense of invincibility among the members and despair within the community. They know the law protects them because of their age. They will rob you at knife-point, and if you report, they are back on the streets in no time to terrorize you again, lamented a resident of Langas who wished to remain anonymous.
Security experts and community leaders attribute the rise of these juvenile gangs to a toxic mix of poverty, unemployment, and family breakdown. With few opportunities and a lack of positive role models, young people are easily lured into criminality by older kingpins who provide a sense of belonging and a means of survival. This is a symptom of a deeper societal failure. We are failing our children, and they are now reflecting that failure back at us through violence, stated a local youth counselor.
The situation has prompted calls for a multi-faceted response that goes beyond traditional policing. While residents demand a more visible security presence, there is a growing consensus that long-term solutions must address the root causes. Initiatives focusing on vocational training, sports, and rehabilitation programs are being cited as critical to pulling the youth away from crime. As Eldoret grapples with this crisis, the community faces the urgent challenge of reclaiming its future by saving a lost generation from the clutches of gangsterism.