Kenya's Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has ordered a nationwide crackdown on criminal gangs and "goons for hire" following a disturbing rise in their use to disrupt public order, particularly ahead of upcoming elections.

• The directive comes after "hired goons" disrupted a meeting at All Saints Cathedral Church in Nairobi on June 12, 2026, allegedly on behalf of a Nairobi MP.
• Key figures giving instructions include Inspector General Douglas Kanja and Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, who are urging commanders to enhance preparedness and learn from past security lapses.
• The incidents of "goonism" have also been witnessed at political rallies in Busia and Kakamega, underscoring concerns that such tactics could undermine security during the 2027 General Election campaign.

A recent attack on All Saints' Cathedral in Nairobi was reportedly orchestrated by a politician, police officers, and hired individuals seeking to disrupt a civil society meeting.

• A goon involved in the June 12 disruption revealed the plot during a Citizen TV interview on June 15.
• The hired men were initially promised Ksh2,000 each to disrupt a meeting linked to Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
• The operation was allegedly coordinated by plainclothes police officers who later abandoned the group, leaving them exposed.

A politician from Kajiado North is under investigation after a group allegedly blocked President William Ruto's convoy in Kajiado on Sunday, June 14.

• Police arrested 45 people accused of participating in the disruption.
• The incident involved a politician allegedly mobilizing and facilitating the group.
• The 45 individuals were later released on a Ksh100,000 bail each by the Ngong Law Court.