Gangs and Violence: How Kitengela Became a Crime Hotspot

Kitengela in Kajiado County is facing a surge in violent crime, with residents reporting frequent muggings, burglaries, car thefts, and attacks linked to criminal gangs. 

At least seven people have died in the past six months, and many more have been injured. Once a modest trading post, Kitengela grew rapidly into a major residential and industrial hub due to its proximity to Nairobi and improved infrastructure, including the Nairobi Expressway. Its expansion attracted investors and residents, but it has also experienced a sharp rise in criminal activity. 

Local residents identify areas such as Miriam Road, Mwireri Lane, and Noonkopir as particularly dangerous after dark. Civil engineer John Kibe described being ambushed along Old Namanga Road, suffering injuries and losing valuables, highlighting the bold tactics of criminal gangs in the area.

Crime in Kitengela extends beyond street-level offences. Short-stay rental apartments have reportedly been used as bases for drug trafficking, with some landlords evicting tenants suspected of illegal activity. Motorists report key-jamming devices used in vehicle theft, demonstrating the sophistication of criminals operating in the town.

Police officers have also been implicated in violent incidents. In February, Vincent Ayomo, a young mechanic, was fatally shot during an ODM rally. Other incidents include the shooting of two women during a hawkers’ protest. In January, a senior detective was linked to a nightclub shooting that left one man dead and another seriously injured, with families fearing obstruction of justice despite forensic investigations and recommended murder charges.

Authorities acknowledge the severity of the problem. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen described Kitengela as a “serious hotspot for criminal gangs,” citing its history with the Mungiki sect and its role in the 2024 Gen Z protests. Governor Joseph Ole Lenku noted that criminals sometimes pose as traders, undermining local development.

Security agencies are targeting gangs such as “Gaza” and “ZZ,” which operate in small groups at night. County Commissioner Michael Yator has pledged to dismantle these networks, while police commanders have promised firm action. Residents, however, remain sceptical due to recurring cycles of violence and perceived political interference.