Political rallies are increasingly becoming lucrative hunting grounds for organised criminal gangs, with politicians, VIPs and campaign teams emerging as the latest targets.
Security agencies have warned that gangs once known for trailing political motorcades and demanding campaign handouts have evolved into sophisticated criminal networks that use the confusion and excitement of political events to steal cash, mobile phones, jewellery and other valuables from leaders and their entourages.
Nyandarua Senator John Methu (left) runs to safety after police officers and goons disperse a convoy of Opposition politicians at Ngonda shopping center in Murang'a County on July 27, 2025.
Photo credit: Mwangi Muiruri | Nation Media Group
Security agencies say the trend is worrying. In the North Rift, the trend has become so pronounced that authorities in Uasin Gishu are now treating it as a growing security threat ahead of an anticipated increase in political mobilisation and realignments.
"We are facing a challenge of an increasing number of goons hanging on VIP vehicles demanding illegal incentives," Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Dr Eddyson Nyale warned.
But security officials say the problem goes far beyond youths seeking money from politicians. Investigations indicate that some gangs now infiltrate political rallies disguised as supporters or members of private security teams attached to prominent leaders. Once in the crowds, they exploit the chaos surrounding VIP arrivals to commit thefts.
From expensive smartphones and gold watches to wallets and emergency campaign funds, politicians are increasingly being robbed in the very gatherings organised to showcase their political strength.
Speaking during a public gathering in Tarakwa, Kesses Sub-County, Dr Nyale said local administrators would no longer tolerate the growing lawlessness.
"We will not sit and fold our hands as idlers and goons continue engaging in criminal activities," he said.
He noted that what appears to be harmless excitement around political convoys has become a convenient cover for criminal activity.
"Hanging on moving vehicles is not only a traffic offence and a safety hazard, but it has also become a cover for mugging and robbery. We have directed police to arrest anyone found hovering around or hanging onto politicians' motorcades," said Dr Nyale.
Intelligence reports, according to the County Commissioner, suggest 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.
In recent weeks, videos from rallies across Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia and Nandi counties have shown groups of youths aggressively surrounding politicians' vehicles, clinging to moving motorcades, forcing doors open and jostling around dignitaries under the guise of welcoming them.
The consequences have already been felt by some leaders. In May, Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek publicly revealed that his mobile phone had been stolen while attending the burial of the father of Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir in Bomet County.
The legislator later took to social media, appealing to the thieves to return the device.
"Lakini watu wa Bomet, mbona muniibie simu na vile nyinyi ni watu wangu. Sharp boys," he posted, describing the suspects as "sharp boys" and offering a reward for the return of the phone.
Security officials fear the thefts are only one aspect of a broader criminal ecosystem emerging around political mobilisation. Dr Nyale revealed that some gangs linked to the same networks have expanded their operations beyond political events and now target commercial transporters.
Wiper Patriotic Front Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and other leaders at Karen Hospital when they visited Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi after he was assaulted by goons in Kisumu.
Photo credit: Pool
Authorities say suspects have been operating along sections of the Eldoret-Nakuru highway near Bayete, where they allegedly stage impromptu roadblocks and prey on 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," Dr Nyale said during Madaraka Day celebrations at Tarakwa Senior Secondary School.
The concerns have also reached the highest levels of government. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen recently told a parliamentary committee that gangs commonly associated with political goonism have evolved into organised criminal enterprises involved in a range of illegal activities.
"Outside goonism, these gangs are allegedly engaged in other activities such as extortion, drug trafficking and land disputes," Murkomen said.
He added that some of the groups continue to receive backing from political actors, complicating efforts to dismantle them.
With political activity expected to intensify in the coming months, security agencies warn that rallies and public meetings could become increasingly attractive targets for criminal networks seeking both financial gain and political influence.
To stem the trend, the Uasin Gishu County Security Committee has launched an enforcement operation and stepped up surveillance of suspected gang members, saying it is determined to prevent political gatherings from degenerating into centres of organised crime.
