More than 100 criminal gangs are operating across Kenya, and the growing use of hired thugs in political disputes is raising fears of a return to election-era violence well ahead of the 2027 polls, according to a BBC investigation.
The report paints a troubling picture of a country where political leaders are increasingly relying on armed groups to intimidate rivals, disrupt opposition events and settle scores. From Nairobi slums to rural towns, gangs armed with crude weapons and sometimes firearms have become a fixture of Kenya’s political landscape.
Goons for Hire
Political violence is not new in Kenya. But what alarms observers is the scale and commercialisation of the problem. Gangs now openly advertise their services to politicians, offering to disrupt rallies, attack opponents or mobilise rowdy crowds for a fee. BBC spoke to several gang members who confirmed they are paid between Sh2,000 and Sh10,000 per assignment.
Recent incidents include the disruption of a funeral in Nyakach, Kisumu County, where hired goons attacked mourners. In another case, a civil society leader was assaulted by youths who allegedly had links to a local politician.
Police Under Pressure
The National Police Service has launched crackdowns in hotspot areas, but critics say enforcement is uneven and politically influenced. Senior police officials acknowledge the challenge but insist they are doing everything possible to contain the threat.
Civil society groups have called for stricter laws criminalising the use of political gangs, with some pushing for the Independent Policing Oversight Authority to investigate incidents where police allegedly looked the other way.
With political temperatures rising as the 2027 election approaches, the fear is that without decisive action, Kenya could slide back into the kind of violence that scarred previous election cycles.
