Events of the just-concluded by-elections portrayed an ungovernable image. Footage of rowdy youths accompanying political rivals, causing mayhem even in the presence of law enforcement officers, was witnessed. While addressing the public during the unveiling of the Jukwaa La Usalama Report at State House, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen issued a stern warning to instigators of the rising violence, particularly sexual and Gender-Based violence (SGBV), and the rapid rise of criminal gangs.
Jukwaa La Usalama Report is a product of security concerns that were collected from the 47 counties by the national security top brass. Murkomen noted with concern that the views gathered from town-hall forums in all 47 counties painted a picture of children, women, and families trapped in cycles of violence, constantly working to the detriment of society
“From our visits, we have seen a worrying increase in defilement cases in Kisumu, Migori and surrounding counties,” stated Murkomen.
“What is even more painful is that many of the alleged offenders are people the children trust.”, reiterated Murkomen
Western and Nyanza regions recorded a surge in SGBV cases, raising urgent questions about social protection, policing, and the broader breakdown of community safety mechanisms. The report indicated that SGBV was just a layer of a deeper and more dangerous security crisis.
The report identifies a dramatic expansion of criminal gangs nationwide, with Nairobi now established as the country’s breeding ground for organized crime, hosting over 130 known criminal groups. Western and Nyanza counties came second after Nairobi in terms of the burgeoning criminal vices.
“Goons and gangs are a threat to our national security. As a nation, we have very resilient gangs that operate around the country, “ said Mr Murkomen.
The gangs are deeply embedded in local politics and have increasingly become tools for silencing dissent. Their activities range from extortion, kidnappings, and territorial control to violent disruptions of political events. Recent incidents, particularly in polling stations, highlight the sheer confidence they command.
To highlight a few cases, a violent confrontation between goons and the police ensued during Rigathi Gachagua’s visit to PCEA Kariobangi. After Murkomen’s tough talk on eradicating the vice, 7 suspects have since been arrested for questioning.
In Kasipul Kabondo, chaos erupted during the November 27, 2025, by-elections. Homabay Town Member of Parliament Opondo Kaluma was hurt during that skirmish, and a police firearm that was later recovered was stolen by the rowdy groups affiliated with either of the opposing sides. An accusing finger has been pointed at local politicians who are allegedly funding and enabling the activities of these terror groups.
“All these are made complicated by politicians who go and hire goons for their political gains, and they accompany them in funerals and political rallies, “ added Mr Murkomen.
The groups roam around with directives of unsettling that which does not align with their ideology.
Counties such as Kakamega, Busia, Bungoma, Vihiga, Kisii, Homabay, Kisumu, Tana River, Trans-Nzoia, Mombasa, Murang’a, and Machakos continue to grapple with escalating gang influence, an issue that has disrupted not just peace but economic and social stability.
The ongoing crackdown has unearthed some of the notorious syndicates operating in Kenya as Jeshi Jinga, Chinkororo, Mungiki, Gaza, 42 Brothers, M23, Kapenguria, Usiku Sacco, among many others. According to community voices and security analysts, many of these groups operate with political patronage. The impunity that the above-listed groups display has occasionally been seen in many politicians, a worrying attribute for a leader.
“Mr President, these groups are a threat to our national security, and our IG has been working on a strategy to deal with this issue,” Mr Murkomen said.
Communities are increasingly feeling cornered, the security apparatus is overstretched, and the lawmakers are implicated in the making of these syndicates. This begs the question: do they (Members of Parliament) represent the interests of the citizenry or their goons?
As the government embarks on swift action on the findings of the Jukwaa La Usalama report, the country stands at a crossroads between reclaiming order or sliding into a dangerous culture where criminal groups thrive, politicians abuse power untouched, and ordinary Kenyans pay the price.
Whether Kenya can reverse this trajectory remains the defining security challenge of the moment.
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