Some women legislators have raised concern over the alleged resurgence and activation of criminal gangs in several parts of the country.
Drawn from Kenya Kwanza and Azimio, the lawmakers said that they are worried that Mungiki, Chinkororo, Al Shabab, 42 brothers, and Wakali Kwanza among others were being reactivated.
The gang, they said, are raping women, defiling girls and even forcing the lot to undergo circumcision.
This is besides the killings, robbery and other forms of criminal activities they are engaging in.
The more than 20 female MPs led by Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi, the leaders said the gangs are suppressing the rights of women and children by attacking and killing them.
“We appeal to President William Ruto to intervene in this matter of great national concern, those financing these groups should be investigated and arrested,” Elachi said.
She added that if this was not done by the security agencies, they would soon name them in public.
Thika Town MP Alice Ng'ang'a said that some of the illegal groups were propagating archaic practices of forced Female Genital Mutilation in many communities.
They are engaging in sexual harassment and raping of women and girls, at times, before their family members leaving them traumatized for life.
Ng’ang’a said that some gangs forcefully takeover Matatu routes through intimidation and even killing of drivers and conductors in public transport.
“Addiction of our youths with drugs and substance abuse thus leading to the wastage of entire generations of our own children is a matter of concern,” said Ng’ang’a.
Nominated Senator Miraj Abdullahi said that the proliferation of these illegal groups will provide a breeding ground for narcotics in the East Africa region.
She said that was the route that such gangs benefit from by protecting drug peddlers that they do not want Kenya to be another drug-infested African country.
For her part, Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara called upon all the security apparatus to be highly alert on the activities of these gangs, especially during this festive season.
“Those planning and financing these activities should be investigated and arrested, if this is not done by the security agencies, we shall soon name them in public,” Kihara said.
