Natembeya clashes with security chiefs over ‘illegal gangs’ crackdown in Kitale

The crackdown comes amid growing concern over the rise of teenage gangs in Kitale, with some political leaders accused of fuelling the problem by hiring armed youths to provide protection during political activities, an issue widely seen as contributing to the proliferation of organised criminal groups in the county.

Governor Natembeya has accused security organs in the county of conducting an “illegal and selective” operation targeting youths and his perceived supporters under the guise of fighting crime in Kitale and its environs.

He claimed the crackdown was designed to instil fear and panic among residents and was being used to settle political scores.

“The Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja must not take political orders that are causing pain and suffering to innocent Kenyans. What is happening here in Kitale by police is not acceptable,” Mr Natembeya said on Saturday in Saboti.

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He further alleged that local security bosses were being pressured into executing political schemes aimed at intimidating opponents.

“I know this operation is targeting me and they have been used to innocently arrest some of my supporters. In fact, the selective arrests and fabricated charges reveal the political interests in the operation,” he added.

The governor said some of those arrested were facing serious charges, including preparing to commit a felony, and had allegedly been held incommunicado, which he termed unconstitutional.

“Some of the youths arrested have not been presented to court yet, despite being picked up over a week ago. If there is evidence, why are they not being presented to court?” he posed.

However, security officials have rejected claims of illegality or political bias, insisting the crackdown is within the law and aimed at restoring order.

County Criminal Investigations Officer Josephat Ndung'u said the operation was structured and lawful, targeting dangerous gangs that had infiltrated informal settlements.

“The government has not announced any curfew, and the law is clear on when a curfew can be declared. What we are undertaking is a well-coordinated security crackdown on dangerous armed gangs and goons, and we will soon apprehend all of them,” Mr Ndung’u said.

He dismissed reports of a night curfew in Kitale, describing them as propaganda by criminal groups to spread fear among residents.

The deployment has unsettled some youths in informal settlements, even as residents who have suffered violent attacks expressed hope that the operation would improve security.

Issuing the directive on April 12 while in Trans Nzoia, CS Murkomen ordered IG Kanja to dispatch a special unit to address rising insecurity.

“We are not going to talk or negotiate again. I have directed the IG to act immediately and send a special team here. Trans Nzoia is too important to be left to goons and armed gangs,” he said in Marambachi, Saboti Constituency.

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He also warned political leaders against using criminal gangs for personal political interests.

By the end of the week, more than 170 suspected gang members had been arrested, including five remand prisoners who had escaped custody.

Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Riko Ngare said the operation, conducted in informal settlements such as Matisi, Mitume and Tuwan, led to the recovery of numerous suspected stolen items, including electronics and household goods.

“Five of those arrested had escaped from Kiungani Police Post in Kiminini Sub-County on January 12. In the course of the operation, we recovered more than 200 mobile phones, laptops and gas cylinders,” Mr Ngare said on April 15.

Authorities also uncovered what they described as an organised smartphone theft and resale syndicate, with some recovered devices traced to Kapenguria and Lodwar, suggesting a wider criminal network spanning multiple counties.

Mr Ngare said some suspects were linked to gangs allegedly sponsored by politicians to intimidate rivals and spread fear, adding that investigations were ongoing.

“We have identified some of the individuals involved and are pursuing those still at large. Our priority is to restore law and order and guarantee the safety of Kitale residents,” he said.

Police said the operation has targeted areas including Tuwan, Matisi, Mitume, Kipsongo, Folkland, Bidii, Lessos and Namanjalala, where weapons such as pangas and machetes were recovered.

Ngare warned that those involved in criminal activities, including disrupting public rallies, would face the full force of the law.

“We are not going to spare those involved in criminal activities. We are telling politicians engaging these goons that their days are numbered,” he said.

Authorities have stepped up patrols and surveillance, vowing to sustain the crackdown until all criminal elements are brought to justice.

Meanwhile, Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi warned political leaders against funding or harbouring gangs for selfish interests.

A local human rights group, the Justice and Peace Centre Kitale, has called on police to respect the rights of suspects and raised concerns over alleged abuses during the operation.

“We have noted with concern complaints from residents over the operation. There is a lot of fear, and we are working with affected families whose kin are in police custody to ensure they get justice,” said Mr Bonface Wanyonyi, a programme officer at the organisation.

He cautioned against selective arrests and urged security agencies to focus on apprehending those responsible for violence, particularly in informal settlements.

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