46 gangs cited as most notorious
A Kenyan riot police dog baits a suspected Mungiki gang member at Nairobi's Mathare slums, in this file photo. PHOTO/ REUTERS
What you need to know:
- Director Oriri Onyango (below) said the country was witnessing the emergence of complex crimes such as terrorism, piracy, cyber-crime, corruption , drug trafficking, money laundering, sexual and gender based violence.
A new report has revealed the existence of 46 organised criminal gangs involved in murder, extortion, kidnapping, drug trafficking and violent robberies.
Well-known groups such as Mungiki, Al-shabaab and Taliban, continue to exist despite frequent police crackdowns against their members while new ones such as The 42 Brothers, J-10 and Yes We can have recently emerged.
The revelations are contained in a report dubbed Summary Of A Study On Organised Criminal Gangs In Kenya, which was launched by Attorney General Prof Githu Muigai in Nairobi Friday.
“We have to embrace scientific methods in dealing with this problem rather than the conventional way,” he said.
While noting the trend is worrying, Prof Muigai added that the introduction of Prevention of organised crime Act 2010, had boosted the war on crime although gangs had become more sophisticated.
The report specifically blames politicians for slowing down the war on crime saying, they relied on twelve groups, including Jeshi la Mzee in Kangemi, Baghdad Boys in Kisumu and Angola Msumbiji in Butere, to act as their body guards, intimidate opponents and mobilize political support. The research was carried out by the National Crime Research Centre.
Director Oriri Onyango (below) said the country was witnessing the emergence of complex crimes such as terrorism, piracy, cyber-crime, corruption , drug trafficking, money laundering, sexual and gender based violence.
“These crimes have become a common concern both for government and citizens not only in Kenya but across the globe and have impacted negatively on personal safety and security,” said Mr Onyango at the launch of the report Friday.
Inspector-General of police David Kimaiyo said the war on crime would be won through co-operation between members of public and law enforcers.
“Crime is a common concern in the country and should not left to law enforcement officers only but the public should support the initiative by providing information,” said Mr Kimaiyo, in a statement read by Deputy Director of Criminal investigations Gideon Kimilu.
The report says the Taliban, which operates in Kayole and Dandora, is known for levying levy illegal feeson businesses and committing murders.
By Nation Reporters
