The Senate has summoned Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to answer for a surge in politically instigated violence across the country.
Lawmakers say the move is aimed at seeking accountability and establishing a clear strategy to curb escalating unrest that has increasingly targeted civilians, leaders and businesses. The session is expected to take place next Thursday, according to the Senate Committee on Security.
Committee Chairperson Fatuma Dullo said the appearance of the two top officials is critical to addressing growing gaps in security response and coordination.
A planned briefing earlier stalled after only Director of Criminal Investigations Amin Mohammed and a senior Interior Ministry official appeared before the committee, prompting senators to postpone proceedings.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna backed the decision, insisting that only Murkomen and Kanja can provide comprehensive answers on the government’s handling of the unrest.
Lawmakers noted that marauding gangs have become a dominant concern in recent parliamentary debates, with reports indicating that such groups are increasingly emboldened.
Rising gang activity raises security concerns
The issue gained urgency following a recent incident along the Southern Bypass, where suspected gangs blocked sections of the highway and attacked motorists. The disruption reportedly occurred ahead of a political rally in Kikuyu, leaving motorists stranded and vulnerable for nearly two hours.
Witnesses said the attackers operated with little resistance, forcing some citizens to defend themselves. The delayed response by security agencies has since drawn criticism from political leaders and the public.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accused the National Police Service of arriving late and “pretending to act,” further fueling debate over the effectiveness of law enforcement.
Murkomen has condemned the violence, warning against the use of organized gangs for political purposes. He called for firm judicial action to deter those responsible.
“The greatest threat to national security is leaders in suits who hold high office but organize young people into goons instead of creating opportunities for them,” he said in a recent statement.
Police have since restored order along the affected highway, reopening traffic and increasing patrols in key areas.
A broader report by the Jukwaa la Usalama initiative, presented to President William Ruto in December 2025, highlights the scale of the problem. It estimates that Nairobi County alone has about 130 active gangs linked to crimes including political violence, kidnapping and murder.
Other counties flagged for widespread gang activity include Kakamega, Bungoma, Kisii, Kisumu and Homa Bay, raising concerns about a coordinated national threat.
Security analysts warn that unless decisive action is taken, the situation could worsen ahead of future political events. The Senate’s intervention signals growing pressure on the government to restore order and rebuild public confidence in the country’s security systems.
