Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced a nationwide crackdown on criminal gangs and political goons, as security agencies intensify operations following recent deadly violence in Kisumu and Nyahururu that has heightened concerns over political violence ahead of key electoral events.
The announcement came as the Kisumu County Security Committee confirmed that more than 200 suspects have already been arrested in an ongoing countywide operation targeting organised criminal gangs, warning that those financing, coordinating or sponsoring the violence would also face prosecution.
Speaking on Monday, July 13, during a memorial service for David Kibiwott in Lokori, Turkana County, Murkomen said he had directed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to increase operations against criminal gangs and deploy more officers to areas considered hotspots.
"We have a plan with the Inspector General. Over the next few weeks, we will have intensified operations against goons and gangs. There will also be increased deployment of police officers at public functions to deal with these goons," Murkomen said.
The Interior CS dismissed claims that security agencies were unable or unwilling to deal with organised gangs, insisting the government had previously succeeded in tackling banditry and would similarly dismantle criminal networks.
"We have dealt with bandits; goons cannot be too challenging. It is just that we have to follow the judicial process," he added.
Murkomen's remarks came a day after separate violent incidents in Kisumu and Nyahururu left several people dead and injured.
In Kisumu, two people were killed after armed goons attempted to storm a church service attended by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo.
In Nyahururu, a political rally organised by leaders affiliated with the Linda Wananchi faction descended into chaos after suspected goons disrupted the gathering, leaving Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata's driver seriously injured.
The Interior CS defended the police response, revealing that dozens of suspects had already been taken into custody.
"What happened in Kisumu yesterday and Nyahururu? Let us pretend the police did not do anything. Twenty people have been arrested in Kisumu, 10 have been arrested in Nyahururu, and they have all been arraigned," he said, adding that those found guilty of organising the violence deserved lengthy prison sentences.
Murkomen also warned that investigations would extend beyond those arrested at the scene, saying politicians found to have financed or incited violence would also be prosecuted once sufficient evidence is obtained.
He specifically mentioned Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, saying investigators should examine some of his recent public statements to determine whether they were linked to the violence witnessed in Nyahururu.
As the national government announced tougher measures, the Kisumu County Security Committee said security agencies were already conducting an extensive operation against organised criminal gangs across the county.
In a statement issued after Sunday's violence in Milimani, the committee said organised criminal activity would be confronted with the full force of the law, warning that gang members, financiers and political sponsors would all be identified and prosecuted.
Authorities disclosed that eight suspects arrested in connection with Sunday's violence were expected to be arraigned in court, while investigators continued analysing digital evidence, including videos and other material circulating on social media, to identify more suspects.
The committee rejected suggestions that the violence was simply the work of unruly youth, insisting it was organised criminal activity requiring coordinated investigations and prosecution.
Officials further revealed that more than 200 suspects had already been arrested across Kisumu County during the ongoing crackdown, adding that the operation would continue until criminal networks operating in the region were dismantled and public confidence in security restored.
The committee also cautioned politicians seeking elective office against sponsoring violence, stressing that responsibility would not stop with those carrying weapons but would also extend to individuals providing funding, logistics or protection to criminal groups.
Authorities warned that the growing insecurity was also harming the county's economy by discouraging investment, disrupting businesses, affecting trade and limiting employment opportunities, particularly for young people.
The latest developments follow a Joint County Security Committee meeting co-chaired by Governor Anyang' Nyong'o and County Commissioner Ramadhan Mwabudzo, where officials introduced additional measures to improve security, including banning the use of private security personnel at political rallies.
Commissioner Mwabudzo maintained that Kisumu has enough police officers to secure political gatherings and urged leaders to notify security agencies in advance to allow adequate deployment.
"We've already had two to three functions without any goons, and they were successful. We're looking forward to formal agreements with all the leaders where we will no longer need the services of the goons. Kisumu County has enough security, which can be provided at the request of the leaders at all times," he said.
Ahead of the high-stakes Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election on July 16, Murkomen assured residents that security agencies were fully prepared to guarantee peaceful polls.
"I want to assure the people of Ol Kalou that the elections will be free and fair. If we need to deploy 100 police officers, we will do that," he said.
Murkomen also announced that approximately 10,000 newly trained police officers are expected to graduate within a month and will be deployed to police stations across the country to strengthen security operations as the government seeks to contain rising political violence.
