Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced that the government will begin a serious crackdown on politicians believed to be supporting criminal gangs in different parts of the country.
Speaking during a community dialogue in Kwale County on Tuesday, April 8, Murkomen made it clear that the government will no longer tolerate rising cases of insecurity, which he said are mostly fueled by political figures using gangs to push their own agendas.
He pointed out that in the coastal region, gangs like the notorious “Panga Boys” are made up of school-going youths who are being misused by powerful individuals for political gain.
“I commend the local leaders who are cooperating with our security agencies to fight crime. However, it is unfortunate that some politicians are undermining these efforts by financing criminal groups,” said Murkomen.
He made these remarks in a meeting that included community members, elected leaders, chiefs, assistant chiefs, police officers, youth representatives, civil society groups, and local elders.
Murkomen added that he has already ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved. He stated that both local administrators and security agencies have been instructed to act firmly and without hesitation against those promoting insecurity.
The “Panga Boys” gang has been a menace in the coastal region, especially in Kilifi County, where they have been attacking residents and stealing from them, leaving communities living in fear.
To fight such insecurity, Murkomen revealed that the government will adopt a united approach involving all sectors—both government institutions and community groups. This new strategy will be applied nationwide to deal with the rising threats.
The meeting in Kwale was part of Murkomen’s broader national initiative, dubbed “Jukwaa la Usalama,” which aims to strengthen communication between the government and local communities and find lasting solutions to insecurity.
The issue of politically motivated violence has become more common in recent weeks. One of the most recent incidents reportedly took place on Sunday, April 6, during a church service attended by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
During the service at the PCEA Church in Mwiki, a group of rowdy individuals allegedly tried to storm the church and demand money from Gachagua. His security team had to fire warning shots into the air to disperse the group and restore order.
After the incident, Deputy President Gachagua claimed the attack was politically planned to disrupt his church visit. He accused his political opponents of sending goons to interfere with his activities.
However, the National Police Service pointed fingers at the Deputy President’s team, blaming them for failing to inform relevant security officials that a high-profile leader like Gachagua would be attending the church service.
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