Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has directed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to deploy a special police team to deal with criminal gangs said to be used by politicians to cause unrest in different parts of the country.
Speaking in Nandi and Trans Nzoia counties on Sunday, Murkomen said the government has made progress in tackling serious security threats such as banditry and terrorism.
However, he raised concern that some politicians are now linked to rising cases of organized violence during political activities.
He warned that such actions are undermining peace and stability in communities.
Murkomen said the time for warnings is over and that firm action will now be taken.
He noted that the special police unit will focus on identifying and dismantling gangs that have been blamed for attacks on civilians and disruption of public events.
According to him, these groups have caused fear among residents and interfered with normal daily activities.
He strongly criticized leaders who recruit young people into such activities, accusing them of giving them crude weapons and exposing them to drugs.
He stressed that this trend must stop, adding that it is putting the lives of young people at risk while also damaging the country’s political environment.
The CS also claimed that some politicians go as far as organizing violence at their own events to gain sympathy and shift blame to government officials.
He questioned how security agencies are expected to maintain order when they are targeted by the same groups they are supposed to control.
His remarks come shortly after a rally linked to Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua in Kikuyu Constituency was disrupted.
During the incident, a section of the Southern Bypass was blocked, and motorists were reportedly harassed. Police later used teargas to disperse the crowd and restore order.
Meanwhile, leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza coalition have accused Gachagua of fueling tension ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang claimed that such actions are creating fear and could lead to future instability if not addressed early.
