Are these community welfare groups or gangs out to consolidate illegal power?

Gangs, the Mafia, and organised criminal groups initially spring up to provide “protection” for their lords.

The bulk of their activities is rooted in the production and distribution of a wide range of goods and services, both legal and illegal — from drugs and gambling to construction, even investment banking. Like any legitimate entity, they provide goods and services.

Extortionist gangs in Kenya sprung up during former President Moi’s era. Known for its brutality, the Mungiki cornered the government into agreeing, albeit unofficially, to share power, at least in the arena of violence.

Like any serious gang leaders, those behind Mungiki exploited the group’s organisational structure to win a role in national politics. Exit Mungiki, enter more sophisticated, well-oiled, and image-conscious groups portraying themselves as well-intentioned service providers.

Like Mungiki, one particular group’s ability to infiltrate the top echelons of government has left many wondering what drives it. An entity that is neither governmental nor non-governmental cannot just arrogate itself the powers to provide services parallel to those offered by the government. Such entities are quick to dismiss critics who dare question their motivation and source of their inexhaustible resources.

DRUG BARONS

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero recently spoke of an unnamed group and alleged that the city was being run by drug barons masquerading as empathetic service providers. Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko was quick to deny claims that he was a drug trafficker. He accused the governor of attempting to deflect corruption allegations levelled against him.

The fact of the matter is that drug cartels and organised criminal gangs pose the greatest threat to Kenya’s national security and moral fabric. One needs to understand the overt and covert characteristics of organised criminal gangs to fully understand the risks posed by the suspicious, unrealistic, and publicised acts of “generosity” by Senator Sonko. Let me explain. 

Scholars argue that organised criminal gangs are prevalent in transition economies such as Mexico, Colombia, and other Latin American countries. They are all involved in the illegal drug trade.

Secondly, bureaucratic or corporate criminal gangs have complex authority structures with clear “top-down” communication, extensive division of labour, and clearly outlined responsibilities as well as rules and regulations. Senator Sonko is the quintessential spokesman of the Sonko Rescue Team (SRT), which provides services such as ambulances.

A different division provides other services such as wedding limousines. The two do not cross paths. And it is clear that the machine gun-wielding security men who always trail the senator have nothing to do with the funeral transporters business.  

RECRUIT MEMBERS

Third, organised gangs exercise hard and soft power by mediating disputes, regulating behaviour among residents, and protecting communities against police abuse in exchange for “protection”. Because of the fluidity and elasticity of their structures, they are able to recruit members from different cadres of society. 

In some Latin American countries, the gangs are so entrenched, they have become a parallel power. Their interests overlap with those of politicians, bureaucrats, and law enforcement officers.

Fourth, organised criminal gangs never reveal their real source of money. Their members exhibit flamboyant and lavish lifestyles, yet they operate small legitimate businesses.

They often sympathise with the downtrodden. The Mob in New York, for instance, operates simple restaurants and cigar salons and it is known to take care of its own. Members pose as successful businessmen, although there are scanty details of their ventures.

Reacting to increased pressure on the question of his wealth, Mr Sonko explained that he makes his money from flipping real estate and friends. Still, most people find his extraordinary generosity difficult to understand.

Philanthropy and corporate social responsibility usually come after businesses have maximised their profits. Even then, they claim such donations when they file their tax returns.

Mr Kaberia is an assistant director of international programmes at the University of the District of Columbia. [email protected].