Kenya government identifies 109 organized criminal gangs amid security crackdown

The government of Kenya has identified 109 organized criminal gangs and groups operating across the country as it prepares for the 2027 General Election. Internal Security Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo stated that security agencies arrested 1,827 suspects for offenses linked to goonism and organized criminal activity between January 1 and August 31, 2026. Of the 729 convictions secured during the same period, the Rift Valley accounted for 36.5 per cent.

The government has intensified its crackdown on organized violence, expressing concern that criminal groups may be used for political intimidation. The distribution of these groups shows 38 are based in Western Kenya and 20 are based in Nairobi. The government stated that the figures demonstrate its response to the security threat.