KISUMU, Kenya-A wave of terror by youth gangs, known locally as ‘Mbogi’, could cripple the already delicate economy of the lakeside city of Kisumu with further fears of threatening public safety.
A cross-section of leaders now warns that the situation could explode as the country nears the election period following a brazen attack where vendors were robbed during a presidential event at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo on Monday 2nd February, despite heavy police presence.
Kondele Ward Member of County Assembly, Joachim Oketch, called on the duty bearers to take immediate action and dismantle the growing gang.
“This gang must be torn apart as we begin the electioneering period,” Oketch affirmed. He questioned the security lapse, stating, “It is a point of concern because it’s not the first incident, especially in political spaces.”
Oketch, who provided seed capital to affected traders today, stressed the human cost of the lawlessness. “We are asking our law enforcement officers to move with speed and crack down on this emerging terror gang,” he urged, while clarifying, “Not all the Mbogis are criminals, but the few elements among our young people must stop attacking our women or harassing leaders.”
Maren Amol, a single mother robbed of her soft drink stock, appealed directly to the youth: “I entirely rely on this to feed and school my children. Protect us instead of harming us.”
Another vendor, Frederick Odhiambo, noted that such attacks plunge families into debt with the burden of having to re-start again after heavy investments.
Fears are mounting that the terror squad is politically shielded, with unconfirmed reports suggesting the gangs enjoy protection from powerful figures in the political class and government.
With mugging incidents predicted to skyrocket ahead of the 2027 polls, leaders are pressing for decisive interventions before these groups mutate into hardened criminal networks.
