A detailed security assessment presented to President William Ruto has exposed how deeply criminal gangs have taken root in Nairobi and several other counties, with the capital now home to more than 130 groups.
The report shows that the spread of gangs has become one of the most urgent security concerns, driven by political manipulation, insecurity in urban centres and weakened community networks.
According to the Jukwaa la Usalama Report, Nairobi is the most affected, hosting the largest concentration of both structured and loosely assembled gangs.
“Nairobi County, for example, has over 130 gangs alone. The activities of the gangs range from political violence, kidnapping, to murder. Some of the gangs are organised, while a majority are amorphous, only regrouping for assignments during elections,” the report notes.
The brief points out that many counties outside the capital are also facing rising gang activity. Kakamega, Busia, Bungoma, Vihiga, Kisii, Homa Bay, Kisumu, Tana River, Trans Nzoia, Mombasa, Murang’a and Machakos are listed as areas where gangs have disrupted daily life, local businesses and community safety.
Most of the groups highlighted are said to be recent formations built around political rivalry, lack of work opportunities and the erosion of traditional support systems.
Long-standing groups such as Mungiki and the Mombasa Republican Council are now described as existing in small traces, though security agencies continue to watch them closely due to the possibility of revival.
“The majority of the gangs are concentrated in urban and peri-urban areas, but some have penetrated rural communities in counties such as Kakamega, Busia, Bungoma, and Trans Nzoia,” the report adds.
Gangs mentioned in the report include Jeshi Jinga, 42 Brothers, M23, Kapenguria Six and Usiku Sacco, which are active across parts of the western region, the coast and Rift Valley.
In Nakuru, the Confirm and Watizeti networks continue to operate in areas such as Kivumbini, Nakuru East, Bondeni and Rhonda, despite frequent crackdowns.
The report cautions that many suspected members often return to crime shortly after leaving custody, even though enhanced intelligence operations have dented the strength of some groups.
Coastal counties have also faced gang threats, with groups like Panga Boys once causing fear in Mombasa and Kwale before being weakened through arrests, awareness campaigns and rehabilitation programmes.
The brief further warns about the steady rise of land invasion gangs. In Machakos, outfits such as Gaza and remnants of Mungiki are said to be deployed to seize land and take over mining sites. In Kilifi and Mombasa, groups such as Team Mashamba and Mawoza are reported to be used in forced occupations linked to land grabbing.
The report calls for broader cooperation among security agencies to help protect communities in areas where gangs have built influence. It stresses the need for stronger action to restore order and reduce the hold of these networks on local populations.
