Interior cabinet secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has authorized immediate arrest of politicians sponsoring youths to engage in criminal activities in the country.

Speaking during the Jukwaa La Usalama Coastal Region tour in Kwale, Murkomen said some politicians are holding night meetings with the youth, pretending to help them. He further added that such meetings lead to crimes and attacks.

“We have increased security operations in Kwale and nearby areas to catch those funding criminal activities,” said Murkomen after a private meeting with the local security leaders.

He added, “If these meetings are truly helpful, they should happen during the day ,not at night.”

The CS explained that after these night meetings, some youths attack people and cause trouble.

He promised that action would be taken and that everyone involved will be punished, including government officials who support the gangs.

“The gang members, like those in the ‘Panga Boys,’ are mostly young people who should be in school. We will work with different government agencies to solve this problem,” he said.

He also promised to work with the Judiciary to make sure those arrested are not easily released. “When they are set free by the courts, they return and act like they are above the law,” said Murkomen.

In addition, he also warned that any police officer found helping the gangs will be punished.

While speaking to the media, the Interior CS explained that his visit to Kwale was meant to understand the security issues in the county. He was joined by Immigration and Citizen Services Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang.

Their focus in Kwale includes fighting criminal gangs, reducing school dropout cases, solving land disputes, and improving border security. They are also working to stop drug abuse, illegal mining, human-wildlife conflicts, and human trafficking.

The CS will also hold a Town Hall Meeting at Kwale Cultural Centre to address local people and security officers about these issues. He is also set to visit Matuga Mobile ID Registration Centre to meet and speak with locals.