Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has blamed politicians for exacerbating insecurity in Kenya by allegedly hiring gangs and mobilizing youth to incite violence during protests and political rallies, describing the trend as a serious national security threat.
Appearing before the Senate Plenary on Wednesday, Murkomen said areas such as Kitengela, parts of Nairobi, and Machakos have long been hotspots for criminal activity linked to political patronage.
“The problem has not just happened yesterday. This has been an issue for the last 15 or so years,” Murkomen said, noting that criminal gangs have been used by politicians to provoke violence and intimidate communities.
He warned that young people are often deployed with machetes and other weapons during political events, putting both themselves and law enforcement officers at risk.
Murkomen emphasized that while the National Police Service has implemented security strategies and ongoing operations to curb violence, these efforts are hampered when political actors actively mobilize youth and gangs.
“Politicians, particularly those who want to incite the public against the government, have been hiring young boys and criminals in the name of protest,” he said, urging all leaders to refrain from such practices.
Highlighting his department’s approach, Murkomen said that the government continues to collaborate with the Ministry of Transport and other agencies to improve identification and monitoring of criminals, including those exploiting motorcycles to commit crimes.
He also noted that law enforcement has successfully carried out operations, such as the collection of over 300 illegal firearms, but stressed that these measures require political support and community cooperation.
Murkomen reiterated that enforcement alone is insufficient to address the problem, emphasizing the role of responsible political leadership.
“If we do not organize our politics responsibly, we will continue to deploy police unnecessarily. The best remedy is consensus among political leaders across the divide to prevent violence,” he said.
He further highlighted the need for public awareness, stating that citizens must be sensitized to report criminal activity promptly, while the National Independent Policing Oversight Authority ensures accountability among officers.
Murkomen concluded by affirming his commitment to supporting lawful political activities and enforcement measures, while urging politicians and citizens alike to prioritize safety and the rule of law.
“This is a national concern. We must work together to clean the city and the country from gangs and organized criminal activities that threaten our security,” he said, reinforcing that political actors bear significant responsibility in curbing violence and maintaining public safety.
