NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 6— Security agencies have arrested and arraigned 1,827 suspects over goonism and organised criminal activity in an eight-month crackdown as the government intensifies efforts to dismantle criminal networks ahead of the 2027 General Election.

📻 Breaking It Down

The suspects were arrested between January 1 and August 31, 2026, with Trans Nzoia recording the highest number at 491, according to Internal Security Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo.

During the same period, authorities secured 729 convictions, while 716 cases remain before the courts, indicating that the crackdown has extended beyond arrests to prosecution and convictions.

“These figures show that the response goes beyond arrests to investigation, prosecution and conviction,” Omollo said.

📌 What You Need to Know

The crackdown comes amid growing government concern over criminal gangs and organised groups involved in violence, intimidation, extortion and other criminal activities.

The government has identified 109 organised criminal gangs and groups across the country, up from the 89 groups declared illegal in 2016.

Omollo said security agencies were changing their approach by targeting the networks that sustain organised crime rather than focusing only on individual offenders.

“Security agencies have shifted their focus from individual offenders to the networks that allow criminal activity to survive and regenerate,” he said.

Through intelligence-led policing, investigators are targeting gang leaders, recruiters and financiers while linking cases and establishing connections between seemingly separate incidents.

The government said financial investigations are also being pursued to trace proceeds from extortion, robbery, illegal businesses and other organised criminal activities.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya