Kibera ‘worst gang zone’ in the city

By HUDSON GUMBIHI AND CYRUS OMBATI

Kibera has the highest concentration of gangs in the city, a government research agency has established.

Interestingly, these gangs do not engage in crimes requiring technological or software applications, the National Crime Research Centre (NCRC), a state corporation under the Attorney General and Department of Justice, said.

“This could be explained by the fact that most members of organised criminal gangs had low levels of formal education. The most highly educated of the organised criminal gangs were secondary school dropouts,” said Stephen Muteti, the lead researcher.

The six terror gangs in Kibera include Nubians, Kibera Battalion, Siafu, Kamukunji Pressure Group, Yes We Can and J-10.

Apart from the Nubians that protect members of the Nubian community, the rest engage in extortion, provision of security, mobilising residents to attend political rallies, resolving disputes, provision of water and illegal tapping of electricity.

According to the report, Nairobi is controlled by up to 14 organised criminal gangs which also terrorise residents for ransom.

Most of these gangs operate in informal settlement areas where policing is poor, a new report shows.

The Al Shabaab terror network has cells in Eastleigh from where it coordinates human trafficking, firearms trafficking and maritime piracy activities.

The Taliban has pitched tent in Kayole and Dandora estates. The gang is involved in extortion, illegal levies, murder and act as political mercenaries.

Members of Jeshi La Embakasi, Jeshi La Mzee and Kamkunji Boys are hired by politicians during campaigns besides acting as bodyguards. Kamjeshi still extorts from PSVs and other businesses.

The dreaded Mungiki sect exists in many parts of the city, according to the report launched on August 30.

It is involved in extortion, illegal levies, violence, hire for revenge, executions and illegal oathing.

“Organised criminal gangs are run like institutions with interdependent units which work to support the whole,” added Muteti when he released the report.

The report shows the gangs get funding through extortion from the public, stealing, robbery, politicians, selling of stolen goods and Somalia.

The report further accuses the police of colluding with members of the illegal groups to the extent of blackmailing their fellow officers.