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.

Church leaders in Kenya are blaming the State for a disturbing trend of politically motivated violence and disruptions, warning it could trigger widespread unrest ahead of the General Election.

• Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit and the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) are leading the concerns.
• Recent incidents include a violent disruption at ACK All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi and an earlier attack at ACK St Peter’s Witima Church in Othaya, Nyeri County.
• The clergy are questioning the lack of arrests and demanding accountability, with Archbishop Sapit calling for the resignation of the Inspector General of Police if perpetrators remain unpunished.

Fearing escalating political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, teachers in Kenya are seeking mass transfers, leading to a warning from the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET).

• Hundreds of teachers are reportedly requesting transfers from areas deemed unsafe due to increased security threats.
• KUPPET is urging police and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to hold politicians spreading divisive politics accountable.
• The union also raised concerns about the deployment of hired youth to instigate unrest, highlighting recent incidents of disruptions at political functions and even a church.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has strongly defended the Kenyan government's security record against criticism from opposition leaders.

• Murkomen argued that former leaders lack the moral authority to lecture the current administration, highlighting perceived failures during their tenure and the progress made under President William Ruto.
• He specifically cited improvements in the alignment of enforcement practices with constitutional standards and enhanced protection of human rights.
• The CS emphasized the government's commitment to safeguarding constitutional freedoms, including the rights to assemble and demonstrate, while stressing that these rights must be exercised within legal limits and not used as a pretext for criminal conduct.

Kalonzo Musyoka, leader of the Wiper Patriotic Front, has strongly condemned the use of "goons" to disrupt peaceful political gatherings, accusing parts of the police service of failing in their duties.

• The condemnation comes amid accusations of political violence and the alleged resurgence of organized thugs.
• Kalonzo Musyoka expressed his concerns while speaking in Kitui County.
• He specifically highlighted a perceived failure by certain police units to prevent such disruptions.

A fourth suspect connected to the invasion of All Saints Cathedral has been detained for nine days while investigations proceed.

• The suspect was identified using CCTV footage.
• The accused is facing charges related to the invasion of All Saints Cathedral.
• The investigation is ongoing, with the suspect remanded until further proceedings.

In Kakamega, religious leaders and youth have strongly condemned the use of young people to incite violence at public rallies, blaming politicians for fueling such acts.

• Politicians are accused of paying youth to cause chaos during political gatherings.
• Key stakeholders include religious leaders and youth representatives in Kakamega.
• The condemnation highlights concerns over political hooliganism and the exploitation of young people.