Goons approach Nation Media Group crew in Ruiru before attacking and robbing them on May 18, 2026.
Political rallies are increasingly becoming lucrative hunting grounds for organised criminal gangs, with politicians and their campaign teams emerging as the latest targets.
Security agencies have warned that gangs, which were previously known for trailing political motorcades and demanding campaign handouts, have evolved into sophisticated criminal networks. These networks exploit the confusion and excitement of political events to steal cash, mobile phones, jewellery, and other valuables from political leaders and their entourages.
In North Rift region, this trend has become so prevalent that the authorities in Uasin Gishu County are now treating it as a growing security threat in anticipation of an increase in political mobilisation and realignments.
“We are facing the challenge of an increasing number of goons clinging to VIPs’ vehicles and demanding illegal incentives,” said Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Eddyson Nyale.
However, security officials say that the problem extends far beyond youths seeking money from politicians. Investigations indicate that some gangs now infiltrate political rallies, disguising themselves as supporters or members of the private security teams of prominent leaders. Once in the crowds, they exploit the chaos surrounding VIP arrivals to commit theft.
From expensive smartphones and gold watches to wallets and emergency campaign funds, politicians are being robbed of their belongings at the very gatherings organised to showcase their political strength. Speaking at a public gathering in Tarakwa in the Kesses sub-county, Dr Nyale said that local administrators would no longer tolerate the growing lawlessness.
Political convoys
“We will not stand by and allow criminals to continue their activities,” he said.
He noted that the excitement surrounding political convoys, which appears harmless, has become a convenient cover for criminal activity.
“Hanging onto moving vehicles is not only a traffic offence and a safety hazard; it has also become a way of carrying out muggings and robberies. We have directed the police to arrest anyone found loitering around or hanging onto politicians’ motorcades,” he said.
Dr Nyale said intelligence reports suggest that some of the youths are initially mobilised by rival politicians to disrupt meetings or create the impression of popularity. However, many have since turned such gatherings into opportunities for organised theft.
This warning comes amid growing concern over a resurgence of political thuggery across the country. In recent weeks, videos from rallies in Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia and Nandi counties have shown groups of youths aggressively surrounding politicians’ vehicles and clinging to moving motorcades. They have also been seen forcing doors open and jostling around dignitaries under the guise of welcoming them.
Some leaders have already felt the consequences. In May, Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek revealed that his mobile phone had been stolen while he was attending the funeral of the father of the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Davis Chirchir, in Bomet County.
The legislator later took to social media to appeal to the thieves to return the device.
Chaos on Koinange Street in the Nairobi CBD as motorbike riders clashed with thugs carrying batons. The goons' bike was set on fire.
“Lakini watu wa Bomet, mbona muniibie simu na vile nyinyi ni watu wangu?” (The people of Bomet, why have you stolen my phone when you are my people?). He described the suspects as ‘sharp boys’ and offered a reward for the return of the phone.
Security officials fear the thefts are just one aspect of a wider criminal network emerging around political mobilisation.
Impromptu roadblocks
Dr Nyale said gangs linked to the same networks have expanded their operations beyond political events and are now targeting commercial transporters.
The authorities say the suspects have been operating along sections of the Eldoret–Nakuru highway near Bayete, where they allegedly stage impromptu roadblocks and target commercial trucks transporting goods.
“Here at Bayete, we are aware of what you do to commercial vehicles, commonly referred to as “kukata hema”, and your days are numbered,” said Dr Nyale during Madaraka Day celebrations at Tarakwa Senior Secondary.
The concerns have reached the highest levels of government. Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen recently informed a parliamentary committee that gangs commonly associated with political thuggery have evolved into organised criminal enterprises involved in various illegal activities.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen during a service at AIC Plainsview Church in South B Nairobi on June 14, 2026.
“Outside of goonism, these gangs are allegedly involved in activities such as extortion, drug trafficking, and land disputes,” Murkomen said. He said some groups receive support from political figures, which complicates efforts to dismantle them.
With political activity expected to intensify in the coming months, security agencies are warning that rallies and public meetings could become increasingly attractive targets for criminal networks seeking financial gain and political influence.
In an attempt to reverse this trend, the Uasin Gishu County Security Committee has launched an enforcement operation and increased surveillance of suspected gang members.
The committee has stated that it is determined to prevent political gatherings from becoming centres of organised crime.
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