Murkomen's warning shot to politicians financing criminal gangs

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered the immediate arrest of politicians suspected of financing criminal gangs that have terrorised Kwale residents. 

The directive follows revelations that some of the gangs, including the notorious Panga Boys, have been receiving support from political leaders who host them under the guise of youth empowerment meetings.

“We have intensified security operations in the county and the surrounding areas to apprehend those financing criminal activities,” said the CS.

“We have information about politicians holding night meetings, pretending to be helping the youth. If those meetings are progressive, they should be done in broad daylight.” 

Murkomen spoke in Kwale, where security agencies have shifted their focus to dismantling the Panga Boys gang, known for violent attacks using machetes.

“Members of these gangs such as Panga Boys are really young people who should still be in school. Our approach in combating this menace will, therefore take a multiagency way,” he said. 

Nine suspected members of the outlawed group were arrested last week in Msambweni during a joint operation by officers from DCI and the police. Authorities recovered machetes, slashers, knives, a hacksaw, and sachets of cannabis.

More than 180 suspected members have so far been arrested since police launched a crackdown on the gang’s activities across towns, including Diani and Kisauni.

Murkomen, who is on the second day of his Jukwaa la Usalama tour of the Coast region, said the government would work with local administration and the Judiciary to address insecurity.

“Action is being taken and we guarantee locals of their security. Chiefs and their assistants, as well as the other security agencies, are under firm instructions to deal with these criminal elements, and no one will be spared,” he said.