Ruto Orders Tough Crackdown on Political Gangs as Election-Related Violence Escalates

By : Mweru Mbugua

President William Ruto has ordered a nationwide crackdown on criminal gangs accused of infiltrating political events and fueling violence during recent by-elections

Speaking at the Administration Police Training College in Embakasi during the graduation of 5,892 chiefs and assistant chiefs trained in security management and paralegal studies, the President directed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to take decisive action against individuals sponsoring chaos for political gain

Ruto condemned the resurgence of politically instigated violence, noting that the trend threatens public safety and undermines democratic processes

“Those who are using young people to cause chaos, disrupt citizens and jeopardize national security will be dealt with. I have instructed the Inspector General to take decisive legal action to bring this to an end,” he said

The directive follows several incidents of violence reported in recent by-elections and political gatherings

Critics have accused security agencies of selective enforcement, claiming pro-government groups are allowed to operate with impunity while opposition meetings face swift crackdowns

Tensions heightened on Sunday after rival groups clashed during a church function in Kariobangi North attended by DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua

The confrontation triggered public outrage and prompted Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to reaffirm the government’s commitment to maintaining order

“What we saw yesterday in Nairobi is unacceptable. We will not tolerate individuals using hired goons to undermine security institutions and create disorder,” Murkomen stated

Questions, however, linger over previous incidents in Malava, Mbeere North, and Kasipul by-elections, where gangs armed with crude weapons allegedly disrupted campaigns

In Malava, vehicles linked to DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako were torched, while in Mbeere North, armed groups reportedly roamed freely as police were accused of targeting opposition supporters

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The rising cases of violence have reignited concerns about Kenya’s long history with politically aligned militia groups

From the 1990s when criminal networks were used to intimidate opponents to the recent resurgence of gangs during protests, analysts warn that unchecked political violence could destabilize the country

The Mungiki sect, once a powerful criminal network before being banned and heavily suppressed in 2004, remains a stark reminder of how gangs can evolve into major security threats when left unchecked

Ruto’s new directive signals a tougher stance on politically motivated violence as the country prepares for heightened political activity in the coming months