IG Boinnet warns of plot to revive criminal gangs ahead of 2017 polls

Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinnet at a past event. He has warned that some individuals want to revive criminal gangs ahead of 2017 general elections. FILE PHOTO | ROBERT NGUGI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinnet has warned of a plot by some individuals to revive criminal gangs ahead of the 2017 general elections.

Mr Boinnet said the National Police Service is aware of the plans to revive over 50 outlawed groups in the country, and warned that the police would “not let them flourish”.

He said the groups include Mungiki, Sungusungu, Gaza in Kayole, Superpower in Eastleigh, China Squad in Kisumu, Marachi Republican Council, Haribika Boys, Baragoi Boys, Sitaki Kujua, and Chinkororo among others.

“Organisers and heads of criminal groupings are known and police are after them. We would like to appeal to members of the public to also collaborate with the police by giving information about these groups in order to secure our country,” Mr Boinnet said.

He said police are determined to eliminate their illicit activities and that any public officer found working with these individuals would be arrested and charged.

“Some of these individuals are also involved in the manufacture and sale of illicit brews which the country has invested a lot in fighting,” Mr Boinnet said.