Murkomen: Why Nakuru town has high crime rate
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed that Nakuru town has the highest crime rate in the Rift Valley region.
Murkomen highlighted major reasons that have led to the regrouping of gangs in the town, with drugs and illicit brew taking the lead in fuelling the crime rate in the town.
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The Interior CS made his remarks on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, in Nakuru County while addressing members of the fourth estate at the close of the Jukwaa La Usalama Rift Valley Chapter 12.
“In the Rift Valley, Nakuru town has the highest number of gangs in Nakuru County,” Murkomen said.
According to Murkomen, the Nakuru gang are petty criminals who have zoned themselves and are being misused by politicians for political assignments.
In addition, Murkomen noted that the gangs are not that solidified with proper leadership, with plans and objectives, unlike the famous Mungiki gang.
“They are petty criminals that are sometimes misused by politicians; they zone themselves in areas where they know each other. The good news is that in our security engagement today is that these are not solidified gangs with proper leadership with a plan and an objective like Mungiki,” Murkomen said.
Politicians using gangs
Murkomen, while calling out politicians for misusing the young people, further noted that the gangs have been availing themselves of major assignments related to politicians.
“They avail each other and are available for assignments, so once in a while they are hired by different politicians to do some political assignment,” Murkomen noted.
Murokomen further revealed that Nakuru town crimes are fuelled by drugs and the availability of illicit alcohol, while noting that Nakuru is among the top counties transmitting alcohol and drugs.
“Part of the reason why Nakuru has such a high level of crime is fuelled by drugs and the availability of illicit alcohol. Nakuru is among the top three counties in terms of transit of alcohol and drugs,” Murkomen said.
Nakuru crimes
Murkomen’s remarks sparked amidst the height of public outcry from Nakuru town people over increased crimes. His remarks came just a month after the police escalated security operations in Nakuru County following a surge in violent crimes linked to organised gangs, particularly in areas like Rhonda, Kaptembwa, and Bondeni.
The DCI said specialised anti-robbery units have been deployed to pursue armed groups responsible for a series of armed attacks in the region that have left local residents living in fear. Several anti-robbery teams have been dispatched and are pursuing identified armed gangs whose operations have been analysed.
“Several anti-robbery teams have been dispatched and are pursuing identified armed gangs whose operations have been analysed. The operations seek to bring to an end the reign of terror and rid the streets of armed criminals,” the DCI said.
