By Ongaga Ongaga
A parliamentary committee has escalated concerns over the resurgence of criminal gangs and escalating political violence, warning that the trend could jeopardise national security and the credibility of the 2027 General Election.
The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security urged the Ministry of Interior to move swiftly, cautioning against a repeat of past election cycles marred by militia-style groups.
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Committee Chairperson and Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo said early intervention would be key to stopping criminal networks from gaining ground during the electioneering period.
“We want to see the country secured. We should not allow gangs that have historically thrived during election periods to re-emerge as we head to the 2027 General Election,” Tongoyo said.
He pointed to past crackdowns as a benchmark, urging current security leaders to adopt firm measures.
“You may want to look at what your predecessors, like John Michuki, did to crush these gangs. I believe you are up to the task of securing this country,” he added.
The remarks were made during a high-level session with Interior Cabinet Secretary Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen, Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja, and Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin, amid growing concern over insecurity across the country.
Lawmakers flagged a worrying spike in organised crime, banditry, and politically driven violence, pressing security agencies to outline concrete steps to restore order and protect the electoral process.
Saku MP and Committee Vice-Chairperson Dido Rasso warned that gangs are increasingly taking root in urban and peri-urban areas, calling for a shift in policing tactics.
“The issue of gangs and goons is increasingly affecting urban and peri-urban areas. Going forward, we must rethink our approach to policing. Policing is dynamic, and we may need specialised units to handle such cases,” Rasso said.
He also advocated for more precise interventions in tackling insecurity, particularly cattle rustling.
“Targeted, intelligence-led interventions can be more effective and ultimately save the government resources,” he noted.
Interior CS Murkomen, however, painted a grim picture of a growing culture of politically instigated violence, alleging that some leaders are mobilising unemployed youth to disrupt rival gatherings.
“This trend is deeply concerning. It threatens democratic space, erodes public confidence in governance institutions and risks destabilising the country during a politically sensitive period,” Murkomen said.
According to the CS, loosely organised groups are evolving into structured outfits aligned to political interests, with several incidents already under investigation.
To counter the threat, the National Police Service has intensified patrols, increased presence at political events, and enhanced intelligence gathering to pre-empt violence.
Authorities have also deployed rapid response units and tightened enforcement of the Public Order Act.
Murkomen warned politicians against inflammatory rhetoric, linking it to rising tensions on the ground.
“The National Police Service does not and will not collaborate with criminal gangs to enforce order,” he said, dismissing claims of police complicity.
He further criticised some political actors for ignoring legal requirements when organising public events, saying such lapses create loopholes often exploited by rival groups.
In cases where local police capacity is overwhelmed, the government activates a multi-agency response involving agencies such as the Kenya Prisons Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, and Kenya Forest Service.
The CS called on political leaders to embrace peaceful engagement and uphold the rule of law, warning that continued reliance on violence could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s stability as the 2027 polls approach.
