A parliamentary committee has raised alarm over the growing use of organised gangs in Kenya’s political landscape, warning that the trend poses a grave threat to national security as the country edges closer to the next General Election.
The National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security cautioned that the rise of political goons is quickly becoming a dangerous norm that must be addressed urgently.
Speaking on Sunday during an official visit to assess the registration of birth and death certificates, as well as national identity cards in Sotik Constituency, members of the committee warned that the country risks sliding into lawlessness if the situation is not contained.
The delegation included Saku MP Dido Ali Rasso, Lari MP Mburu Kahangara, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma and Suna West MP Peter Masara.
“Two days ago in Parliament, the issue of marauding gangs was a major subject of discussion. In many parts of the country, these groups have become a nuisance and a serious threat to national security. They are targeting leaders, business people and even the police,” said Saku MP Dido Ali Rasso.
He said the problem has been worsened by political divisions, with rival sides blaming each other for the growing menace.
“The growing influence of political gangs must be stopped before it turns into a full-blown security crisis,” he warned.
His remarks follow recent incidents of politically linked violence, including an attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, which has renewed concerns over the use of hired groups to intimidate opponents and disrupt public events.
Rasso, who is also the committee’s Vice Chairperson, said such incidents point to a worrying return of militia-style operations seen in previous election periods, where groups were used to influence political outcomes through fear and chaos.
Across the country, cases of politically instigated violence have been reported, with hired youth groups accused of disrupting meetings, intimidating rivals and sometimes clashing with security officers.
His remarks come against the backdrop of rising cases of politically instigated violence in various parts of the country, where hired youth groups have been accused of disrupting public gatherings, intimidating opponents and, in some instances, clashing with security agencies.
On Saturday, suspected goons blocked sections of the Southern Bypass at Kikuyu Town, vandalised vehicles and robbed motorists, with police notably absent.
In Kitale on Sunday, armed groups disrupted a youth-led voter registration drive, forcing participants to flee.
Rasso warned that what often begins as seemingly harmless mobilisation of rowdy youth can quickly escalate into more dangerous forms of criminality if left unchecked.
“If anyone needs security, they should go through the proper channels, either the National Government Administration Officers or the police,” he said.
“When people get used to hiring gangs, today they carry stones and clubs; tomorrow they will carry guns. That is not the direction we want as a country.”
He cited Sotik Constituency in Bomet County as an example worth protecting, noting that it has not yet experienced infiltration by such groups. However, he urged leaders and residents to remain vigilant.
“If you don’t have gangs here, make sure they don’t take root. We must remain a law-abiding country,” he said.
Rasso’s remarks reflect wider concern within the security sector that some political actors are increasingly using informal groups to carry out violence, weakening state authority and eroding public trust in law enforcement.
He warned that normalising such practices risks creating a culture of impunity where violence becomes an accepted tool of political competition.
The committee said it will treat the matter with urgency, even as it will proposing possible legislative measures aimed at curbing the proliferation of gangs.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has also warned of a growing trend, blaming some leaders for fuelling the problem.
“The greatest threat to national security is leaders in suits who hold high offices but organise young people into goons instead of creating opportunities for them,” said Mr Murkomen.
He added that such leaders lack ideas and resort to violence to gain attention, misusing young people in the process.
A report from the Jukwaa la Usalama initiative, presented to President William Ruto in December 2025, paints a grim picture.
It shows that Nairobi County alone has about 130 gangs involved in activities such as political violence, kidnapping and murder, often linked to political interests.
Other counties flagged for widespread gang activity include Kakamega, Bungoma, Kisii, Kisumu and Homa Bay.
