Kenyans Question Crackdown on Gangs Amid Rising Goonism Concerns - July 2026

Nairobi police have successfully dismantled several criminal gangs responsible for armed robberies and mobile phone theft across the city. In Joska, one person was killed, eight arrested, and 500 stolen phones recovered during a gang crackdown. Over 175 million people across Africa are currently experiencing severe food insecurity, with Kenya being one of the most affected nations. There are growing concerns about rising goonism in Kenya, with citizens questioning whether the government has lost control in the fight against gangs. The Nairobi crime wave has raised fresh security fears ahead of the 2027 elections.