The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has raised an alarm over the resurgence of organised criminal gangs across Kenya, a development it deems a serious threat to the nation’s stability. The commission has embarked on a comprehensive study aimed at understanding the extent of the resurgence, which it says has seen a significant increase in gang-related activities in various regions.
According to NCIC, these gangs are not only engaging in traditional criminal activities such as extortion and armed robbery, but have expanded their operations to more violent crimes including attacks on residents and businesses. The commission has noted a disturbing trend of gang activity in urban and peri-urban counties such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Kiambu. The groups are targeting idle youth for recruitment, luring them with promises of quick financial gains and exploiting them for illicit activities.
One of the more concerning aspects of this gang resurgence is the involvement of these groups in sophisticated crimes like cybercrime, drug trafficking, and smuggling. These activities contribute to the escalating violence and social instability within affected communities. In its statement, NCIC warned that if left unchecked, these gangs could grow too powerful, hindering efforts to achieve peace, security, and socio-economic progress in Kenya.
NCIC chairperson Samwel Kobia underscored the urgency of addressing the issue before the gangs can entrench themselves further into society. He cautioned that allowing the situation to escalate could lead to Kenya following the path of other nations where organised criminal groups have become so entrenched that they control daily life, rendering governance nearly impossible. Such a scenario, Kobia warned, could lead to a phenomenon described by the United Nations as “state capture,” where criminal organisations gain such control over the state that governance is undermined.
The NCIC’s study on the resurgence of organised criminal gangs is grounded in its Transgenerational Conversations Framework, a strategic initiative designed to address emerging threats to peaceful coexistence across generations in Kenya. This framework aims to safeguard the moral, social, political, and economic integrity of the country, ensuring that Kenya does not fall victim to the decay that often accompanies the rise of criminal networks.
In conclusion, the NCIC has emphasised the need for decisive action to curb the rise of organised criminal gangs. It is clear that the problem, if not addressed promptly, could destabilise Kenya and reverse years of progress in ensuring peace and national unity. The commission remains committed to taking action and ensuring a unified and prosperous future for the nation.
