At least 84 suspected goons have been arrested in police operations in the past weeks in Nairobi.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said they have intensified intelligence-led patrols to curb the crime space within the city.
He said they will not tolerate the use of goons to terrorise city residents.
"In Nairobi, we have arrested a total of 84 suspected gang members and goons. These include different types of criminal groups: 48 are linked to motorcycle gangs and goons, while 11 are land-based gangs, some of whom were found with weapons, including bows and arrows," he said.
“We have also recovered 194 motorcycles, 48 of which are associated with these criminal groups."
He warned against being used as a goon to cause chaos.
Mohamud addressed the press outside his office to discuss crime in the city while accompanied by senior officers, including the Regional Criminal Investigation Officer, Daniel Kandie.
Mohamud also told those planning to hold protests in the city to follow the law.
"Of late, there has been a lot of impunity. We have noted that some organisers either fail to give notification or, if they do, deviate from the agreed route or engage in actions that disrupt peace," he noted.
"This will not be allowed moving forward. We have also observed incidents where protestors turn violent or engage in theft; such actions will not be tolerated, and arrests will be made. Organisers of political rallies must comply with all requirements."
"On the conduct and facilitation of protests and public gatherings in Nairobi, we do not oppose picketing, but we facilitate lawful assemblies. This month, we have allowed 18 protests and processions. To protect against criminal infiltration of such events, organisers are required to give a 14-day notice. If notification is given less than the required period, the event will not be allowed,” he said.
He added that the notice is crucial in ensuring the organisers don't deviate from the agreed route or disrupt people's properties.
