NAIROBI, Kenya – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has raised alarm over the growing boldness of criminal gangs, saying some police officers now find themselves “helpless” when outnumbered during enforcement operations.
Speaking during a live TV interview on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, Murkomen said organised groups have evolved into major threats, sometimes overpowering officers on the ground.
He stressed that the government “does not condone goonism” and warned that the situation is escalating in worrying ways.
“These gangs have grown to certain numbers that becomes a threat even to police officers providing law enforcement,” Murkomen said. “There are moments when officers are outnumbered and unable to respond firmly.”
The CS acknowledged that while some officers genuinely struggle in violent hotspots, others are deliberately sabotaging operations.
“There are instances where police officers are helpless. However, there are also cases where the police are compromised to do the wrong thing,” he added.
Gangs Using Boda Boda Networks
Murkomen cited new findings from a government security report, which identifies the misuse of boda bodas as a key driver of organised crime.
According to the CS, some riders are increasingly being used for surveillance, coordinated attacks and quick getaways.
“We have singled out misuse of the boda boda sector in committing crimes, including gangs,” he said.
To curb the trend, the Ministry of Interior plans to work closely with the Ministry of Transport and NTSA to enforce stricter registration requirements and standardised attire for all operators.
Murkomen said all boda boda riders will eventually be required to join cooperatives to enhance accountability and reduce criminal infiltration.
Drugs and Alcohol ‘Now a National Security Threat’
The CS further warned that drug and alcohol abuse among young people is fuelling the rise of violent gangs, describing the crisis as almost equal to the threat posed by terrorism.
“We think the threat posed by drugs and alcohol is almost at the level of the threat caused by terrorism,” he noted.
Murkomen said the ministry will intensify community policing, regulatory reforms and inter-agency operations to dismantle criminal networks taking advantage of gaps in law enforcement.
