Kisii residents fear over the resurgence of criminal gang

Residents of Kisii County are growing increasingly alarmed by what they describe as the return of the dreaded Sungu Sungu criminal gang, following a string of killings in cold blood. According to a report by The Standard, this resurgence has ignited fear across local communities, especially after several homes linked to suspects were torched in retaliation. The Standard
The legacy of the Sungu Sungu dates back many years, and for many in Kisii, their re-emergence is a chilling reminder of a turbulent past. The gang, once notorious for violence, abductions, and extrajudicial killings, had been largely suppressed in previous years. However, recent murders have revived concerns that a new wave of criminality is taking hold — particularly in rural areas where law enforcement capacity may be stretched. The Standard Some of the victims were reportedly abducted from their homes, and suspect properties were set ablaze by residents desperate to protect themselves. The Standard
The renewed activity has sparked a mix of frustration and distrust among locals. Community leaders are calling on county officials and national security agencies to take swift, decisive action. We can’t go back to those days of terror, one resident told The Standard, urging for robust police intervention. The Standard At the same time, there are questions about why the gang was able to regroup so quickly, and whether deeper social and economic issues — such as youth unemployment — are fueling the violence.
Looking ahead, security experts warn that without a comprehensive approach, the Sungu Sungu threat could deepen. They argue that arresting suspected gang members is not enough: the government must also invest in prevention by supporting vulnerable youth, strengthening community policing, and restoring trust in the justice system. In Kisii, many now hope that the region will not slip back into the lawlessness that once defined the era of these criminal gangs.