KAKAMEGA, Kenya – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced a fresh crackdown on criminal gangs in Western Kenya, warning that the government will not allow politicians and their hired goons to destabilise communities.
Speaking in Kakamega during the 36th Jukwaa La Usalama county tour, Murkomen said a special security unit will be deployed within the next month to target gang leaders, sponsors, and their political handlers.
“The government will not allow any part of the country to be the playground of goons. Within the next month, we need to see gang leaders face the full force of the law,” he declared.
The CS said unlike in other parts of the country where gangs operate mainly in towns, Kakamega has witnessed criminal activity even in rural villages, a trend he linked to rampant drug abuse and illicit brews.
“Kakamega is the leading producer of chang’aa in the country. In the past month alone, we have seized 30,000 litres of the brew here,” Murkomen revealed.
He accused local politicians of fuelling insecurity by hiring gangs to disrupt public gatherings, including funerals, and to engage in crimes such as animal theft.
“It is unfortunate that we have to deploy up to 50 police officers even at solemn meetings like funerals. Anybody hiring young people to cause chaos will be dealt with firmly, regardless of their status,” he warned.
Murkomen further called for cooperation between politicians, the Judiciary, and prosecutors to ensure suspects are punished, saying impunity had worsened the problem.
The CS also raised concern over rising cases of defilement in the region, citing more than 100 incidents reported in the past month.
He blamed the vice on drug abuse and cultural events such as disco matanga and pledged to work with the county government and other institutions to curb it.
Turning to the upcoming by-elections, Murkomen assured Kenyans that security agencies will remain non-partisan but firm in ensuring peaceful campaigns.
“All aspirants and their supporters must operate within the law. Even transporters like boda boda riders are on our radar. What we are totally against is the deployment of goons in political activities, and we shall deal with that firmly,” he said.
