The government has vowed to dismantle criminal gangs and vigilante groups accused of terrorizing communities in Kisumu and other parts of the country.
Speaking in Kisumu on Thursday during the Jukwaa La Usalama forum, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, said insecurity in Kenya’s third capital city remains a pressing challenge fueled by organized gangs and goons, particularly in rural areas.
He stressed that security is the mandate of the National Police Service and not civilians, warning leaders against using gangs for political or personal gain.
“We have a persistent challenge of gangs and goons taking control of our communities, including rural areas. Security is the duty of the police, not civilians. Leaders must ensure civilians do their civilian work while security remains with security officers,” Murkomen said.
The CS challenged leaders to create opportunities for youth instead of exploiting them through groups such as the 42 Brothers, Mbogi, China Squad, and Marine Squad. He cautioned gang members against arming themselves with crude weapons including knives, machetes, and axes.
“This is a civilized government. Young people must find constructive ways to earn a living, not organize in gangs or arm themselves with crude weapons,” he added.
Murkomen announced that the crackdown will not only target Kisumu and Nyanza but will also extend to Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang’a, Machakos, Kajiado, Isiolo, Mombasa, and other regions where gangs are active. Financiers and individuals who hire gangs will also be pursued, either through peaceful disengagement or prosecution.
On gender-based violence, Murkomen disclosed that Kisumu has one of the highest rates nationally at 36 percent, above the 32 percent national average. He cited harmful cultural practices, including disco matanga, wife inheritance, and weakening family structures, as drivers of the crisis.
He further condemned the brutal defilement and murder of a schoolgirl in Migori on Wednesday, confirming that Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja had dispatched a special team from Nairobi to support investigations.
Murkomen was accompanied by Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo, Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli, National Cohesion and Integration Commission Chairman Dr. Samuel Kobia, NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa, senior security officials, and Nyanza regional leaders.
The CS is expected to continue his security tour in Nyamira County on Friday.
