NAIROBI, Kenya – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered a nationwide crackdown on criminal gangs, citing an increase in organized crime in parts of the country.
Speaking before the National Assembly on Wednesday, Murkomen acknowledged the strides made by Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU) in tackling banditry in the North Rift but expressed concern over the emergence of violent gangs in urban areas.
He singled out Mombasa, Nakuru, and Kisii as regions experiencing a surge in gang activity, pointing to groups such as the notorious Panga Boys in Mombasa and Chinkororo in Kisii.
“The government is committed to dealing firmly with criminal elements across the country,” Murkomen said. “In Mombasa, we have already arrested 120 members of the Panga Boys gang, and we are intensifying operations to ensure the safety of residents.”
As part of the government’s security response, Murkomen announced a leadership shake-up within the police force, particularly in the Coast region.
He is set to tour the six coastal counties next week to meet with security officials, political leaders, and residents.
“The government is doing everything possible to ensure the region is fully secure, even for tourists,” he added.
His remarks come amid a heightened security operation in Mombasa, where 51 suspected gang members were arrested in Kisauni on Tuesday.
The arrests followed a larger police raid in Kwale that saw 120 suspected Panga Boys members apprehended.
