By Fridah Mbuvi, June 16, 2026
Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja has ordered an immediate nationwide crackdown on criminal gangs following a high-level security summit held at the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong on Tuesday.
The meeting brought together senior security officials, including Deputy Inspector-General of the Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat, Deputy Inspector-General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli and Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin, to assess emerging security threats and formulate strategies to strengthen public safety.
In his address, Kanja warned police commanders against laxity, stating that any failure to effectively contain criminal activities would attract administrative action.
He emphasized that the National Police Service would adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards negligence and inefficiency in the fight against insecurity.
The summit particularly focused on the growing threat posed by organized criminal gangs and groups allegedly hired to disrupt public order and intimidate residents in various parts of the country.
Police leadership resolved to intensify operations targeting such networks, with commanders directed to develop adaptive strategies aimed at maximizing available resources to safeguard businesses and communities.
Kanja also urged security agencies to draw lessons from recent incidents and strengthen preparedness in response to evolving security challenges and shifting regional dynamics.
The police chief reiterated the commitment of the National Police Service to maintaining law and order, saying enhanced coordination among various security agencies would be key in addressing emerging threats and protecting lives and property.
The meeting comes amid increasing concern over the activities of criminal gangs and politically linked groups that have been accused of disrupting lawful activities and undermining public security in several regions.
Security agencies are expected to roll out intensified operations across the country as part of efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
