CRIMINAL GANGS, BANDITRY AND DRUGS: VIOLENCE IN SECTIONS OF KENYA

Kenya has grappled with matters of peace for some decades. Criminal gangs have formed and terrorized some sections of the country. The gangs are increasing by the day causing much fear and tension. The gangs, formed along ethnic lines are hired by politicians to distract political opponents especially during elections. At times, the gangs earn by extorting money from peaceful Kenyans through unorthodox means. The criminal gangs take control of some sections of major towns like Kivumbini in Nakuru town where they demand ‘protection fee’ from traders and the business community. In the North Rift region of Kenya, violence is almost a daily activity with bandits terrorizing communities. Livestock theft by bandits has got out of control with security forces getting overworked in dealing with the problem. Elsewhere, like in Njoro area of Nakuru County, communal violence has at times threatened peaceful co-existence with bloodshed occurring. Lots of lives have been lost with property worth millions of shillings being destroyed. In Central region of Kenya, drugs and substance abuse has almost become a norm. Many people especially, the boy-child, is adversely affected.