Western, Rift Valley, Nairobi top list of 109 criminal gangs mapped ahead of 2027 polls

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 6— The government has identified 109 organised criminal gangs and groups operating across Kenya, warning that their growing involvement in violence and the use of organised youth…

Internal Security Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the number of groups identified by the government had risen from the 89 gangs declared illegal in 2016, as security agencies intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in violence, intimidation and extortion.

“Of serious concern is the use of organised youth groups for political intimidation, attacks and harassment,” Omollo said, warning that the trend risks undermining the rule of law and public confidence in governance and justice institutions.

The government said 38 of the 109 groups are in Western Kenya, 22 in the Rift Valley and 20 in Nairobi, with Nyanza accounting for 12, Coast 11, Eastern three, North-Eastern two and Central one.

Source: Capital FM