House team raises alarm over rise of political gangs ahead of 2027 polls

A parliamentary committee has raised alarm over the growing use of organised gangs in political campaigns, warning the trend poses a serious threat to national security ahead of next year’s polls.

The National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Security said over the weekend that “goonism” is being normalised across the country and must be urgently addressed to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

The committee members on Sunday warned that Kenya risks sliding into lawlessness if the situation is not contained. They spoke during an official visit to assess the registration of birth and death certificates and national identity cards in Sotik constituency.

The delegation, led by Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo, included Dido Ali Rasso (Saku), Mburu Kahangara (Lari), Peter Kaluma (Homa Bay Town) and Peter Masara (Suna West).

“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, businesspeople and even the police,” Rasso, who is also the committee’s vice chairman, said.

He linked the rise of such groups to political rivalry, warning the trend must be stopped before escalating into a full-blown security crisis.

The concerns follow the attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi in Kisumu last week, an incident that has heightened fears of a return to militia-style political violence.

Across the country, cases of politically instigated violence have been reported, with hired youth groups accused of disrupting meetings, intimidating rivals and clashing with security officers.

On Saturday, suspected goons blocked sections of the Southern Bypass near Kikuyu town, vandalised vehicles and robbed motorists, with police reportedly absent.

The same day in Kitale, armed groups disrupted a youth-led voter registration drive, forcing participants to flee.

Rasso warned that what begins as mobilisation of rowdy youth can quickly escalate into organised criminal networks 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.”

The committee vowed to treat the matter urgently and said it will propose legislative measures to curb the proliferation of gangs.

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has also raised concern over the trend, blaming some leaders for fuelling it.

“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,” he said.

Murkomen said such leaders are resorting to violence due to lack of ideas, while exploiting young people in the process.

A report by the Jukwaa la Usalama initiative, presented to President William Ruto in December 2025, paints a grim picture of rising gang activity.

It shows Nairobi county alone has about 130 gangs involved in 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.