How Teenage Gangs Are Tearing Kitale Apart

The town of Kitale in Kenya has been grappling with a growing menace of teenage gangs that have been terrorizing residents.

These young criminals, described as armed and dangerous, have been engaging in various illegal activities such as robbery, burglary, and violence. The gangs have instilled fear in the community, leading extravagant lifestyles funded by their criminal exploits. Many of Kitale's residents live in housing estates that have inadvertently become hideouts for these criminal elements. The situation is exacerbated by the gangs' retaliatory attacks on neighbours who report them to authorities, creating a climate of fear and silence. Some gang members have adopted the guise of boda boda workers to target unsuspecting locals, particularly during nighttime hours.

The criminal activities of these teenage gangs often come at a high cost to the perpetrators themselves. Many never live to enjoy their ill-gotten gains, falling victim to police operations, rival gang violence, or mob justice. The sprawling Tuwan and Matisi estates on the outskirts of Kitale town are believed to be the primary hideouts for these emerging criminal gangs. According to the Children's Department, there are over 3,000 neglected minors in the county, many of whom are suspected to be involved in criminal activities. County Children Director Jonnah Maingi has criticized parents for their irresponsibility which has led to children engaging in crime and other anti-social behaviours.

The impact of these gangs on the community is severe as evidenced by Jane Gitonga, a resident of the Mitume booster area, who recounts a traumatic encounter with teenage criminals while returning from her business in Kitale town. Local administrators, including Nyumba Kumi and village elders, have identified the high use of illegal substances in the Matisi and Tuwan areas as a major contributor to the region's insecurity. In response to the escalating situation, a high-level security meeting was held on August 24, chaired by Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi. The government issued an ultimatum to 27 suspects accused of robbery with violence, including six students, to surrender to the police or face severe consequences.

The County Criminal Investigation Officer Paul Songok states that authorities are gathering intelligence on criminal activities and identifying hotspots before taking action against the gangs. Local leaders have also weighed in on the issue with Tuwan Member of County Assembly Francis Were blaming irresponsible parenting for the rise of criminal gangs. He also accuses some political leaders of supporting and funding youth involvement in crime for their own political gain. Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has warned youth in the area against engaging in criminal activities, urging them instead to pursue income-generating opportunities. Amisi highlights the high unemployment rates and the neglect of youth issues by political leaders as contributing factors to the problem.

The challenges faced by Kitale are not unique to the region. Many areas across Kenya struggle with similar issues of youth involvement in crime. In Mombasa, the Kisauni area has long been affected by teenage gangs and drug abuse.