Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen has given a list of more than 30 criminal gangs in the country.
Speaking in Diani, Kwale County on Friday, January 24, 2025, during the launch of the National Government Administrative Police Unit (NGAPU), Murkomen stated that the government was concerned with a surge in criminal gangs in the country.
“We have noted with deep concern a surge in criminal gangs that are mostly financed by politicians to intimidate, harass and suppress their opponents. These gangs are armed with crude weapons are providing security to leaders as they terrorise opponents in a show of might,” Murkomen observed.
List of gangs
The gangs listed by Murkomen include: Team Kazo, Jeshi la Ala, Taliban, J10, Team Mashamba, Tia Nazi, Wakali Kwanza, Wajukuu wa Nyanya, Panga Boyz, Gaza Gang, Lemy Gang, Mungiki, Koita, Mauki, Mwa TZ, Wafaransa, Mbogi, SWAT gang, Sungusungu, Chinkororo, Amachuma, Angola Msumbiji, 40 Brothers, Ebusakami, Spartan, Bulunda Boyz, Lomayan, 17 Brothers, Mbogi Mawe and Team Russia among others.
The gangs listed operate in parts of the coast, Nairobi, Western region, Rift Valley, Kisii and Nyamira and North Eastern parts of the country.
“Some leaders are focused on creating mayhem through criminal gangs in pursuit for power. They are sowing seeds of discord and disharmony in total disregard of the rule of the law,” Murkomen added.
Murkomen on gang activity
“These gangs are involved in murders, robbery, land grabbing, cybercrime, illegal levies on Public Service Vehicles, extortions, muggings, illegal oathing and the illegal connections of water and electricity.”
Murkomen observed that with the elections nearing the National police service was acutely aware of the resurgence of criminal gangs and ordered a nationwide crackdown on the gangs.
“Though these gangs have been suppressed over time, we all know what happens when we are closer to elections,” he noted.
“I have issued instructions to the Inspector General of Police to make sure they track, crackdown and dismantle these criminal gangs with immediate effect,” Murkomen said.
The CS equally warned politicians involved or benefitting from the gangs, stating that they would be prosecuted.
“Public servants including the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) who will be found abetting these crimes will be sacked and charged. Politicians financing or benefitting from the activities of these gangs are equally culpable. Irrespective of the office they hold, or social status, we will prosecute them,” Murkomen charged.
