Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has detailed a broad security plan aimed at tackling organised crime and political gangs, saying the government is combining enforcement with legal reforms and economic measures.

He said security agencies have in recent weeks arrested hundreds of people linked to criminal gangs and recovered weapons and communication devices used in organised crime.

“We are scaling up our security operations to combat political gangs through short and long term interventions,”Murkomen said in a post on X on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

He added that the arrests reflect the growing complexity of criminal networks. “In recent weeks, our security agencies have netted hundreds of individuals linked to criminal gangs and recovered crude weapons and communication devices, underscoring the growing sophistication of the crime,” he said.

Murkomen noted that arrests alone cannot solve the problem. He said the government is now focusing on wider reforms, including changes to laws dealing with organised crime.

“We are, therefore, strengthening the legal and policy framework governing organised crime, including provisions that enhance penalties and facilitate the seizure of assets derived from criminal activities,” he said.

Socioeconomic measures

He also pointed to social and economic measures aimed at reducing the number of young people drawn into gangs. “We are also prioritising economic empowerment initiatives to create opportunities for young people, thereby reducing the incentives for joining gangs,” he said.

Murkomen urged political leaders to avoid using gangs during campaigns as the country heads towards the election period.

“As the election period approaches, I urge all political leaders to compete on ideas and agenda, and desist from using gangs in their campaigns,” he said.

Osotsi attack probe update

He appeared before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security at County Hall, Nairobi, alongside Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, DCI Director Amin Mohamed, and other officials.

During the session, Murkomen also warned that some persons of interest linked to the assault on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi had fled the country. He said investigators were working with regional security agencies to track them down.

“The rest of the 13 or 14 ran out of the country to the neighbouring country,” he told lawmakers.

Murkomen said authorities are pursuing them and promised arrests once they return to Kenya.

“The IG and the DCI are with them, working with the authorities in the neighbouring country. And we will arrest all of them eventually,” he said.

He added that the government wants the case to serve as a warning against political violence.

“I hope that will be the first example to show that violence doesn’t pay,” he said.

The CS also addressed rising concerns over political violence, saying policing large political gatherings remains difficult due to the mix of genuine supporters and criminal elements.

“There’s a thin line between a criminal and political supporters,” he said, noting that some individuals arrive at rallies unarmed but are later supplied with weapons.

Murkomen maintained that the government will continue tightening security operations as the country approaches the election period.