Kenya’s Gang Crisis: 309 Criminal Groups Gripping Major Counties, New Report Reveals
A new state report has painted a troubling picture of Kenya’s escalating gang crisis, revealing that at least 309 criminal gangs are active in counties across the country, with Mombasa, Nairobi, and Kilifi identified as the hardest hit.
The findings, published by the National Crime Research Centre (NCRC), stem from a detailed survey conducted in eleven counties: Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, Nakuru, Bungoma, Kwale, Kiambu, Machakos, Kisumu, Busia, and Garissa. Mombasa recorded the highest number of gangs (73), followed by Nairobi (56) and Kilifi (47).
Notorious groups such as Gaza/Gaza Family, 42 Brothers, Wakali Wao, Panga Boys, Squad Chafu, and Mungiki have entrenched themselves across various counties, perpetrating violent crimes and disrupting local economies. Their operations span across Mombasa, Nairobi, Garissa, Nakuru, Kisumu, and other urban centers.
In Mombasa, residents and security officers are grappling with the presence of multiple dangerous gangs, including Gaza, Squad Chafu, Scoris, Bulla Mzuri, Kayole gang, and Squad Marashi. Business owners in some neighborhoods have been forced to close by 5 p.m. due to fear of attacks.
The report details a chilling wave of criminal activity, ranging from extortion and theft to cyberbullying and radicalization. In Nairobi, gangs have reportedly infiltrated public transportation, ICT, education, and housing sectors, engaging in M-Pesa fraud, gambling, and even controlling matatu and boda boda stages.
Garissa County has witnessed a disturbing rise in drug abuse and violent crimes, including robbery, rape, and even murder. In Bungoma, the gang “11 Brothers” has been linked to harvesting farm produce at night and intimidating residents into silence.
Equally alarming is the complicity of some local businesspeople and politicians, who are said to hire gangs to settle scores and influence community matters. In many areas, frustrated residents have resorted to forming vigilante groups to protect themselves.
The report warns that gang membership has surged over the past three years and urges for swift, multi-agency interventions to stem the growing threat. The resilience of these criminal organizations, often adapting to enforcement crackdowns, highlights a need for urgent and coordinated national action.
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Kenya’s Gang Crisis: 309 Criminal Groups Gripping Major Counties, New Report Reveals