Police create a new squad to tame rising murders.

 

Kenya has been grappling with a worrying surge in violent crime, particularly murders, which has prompted the police to take urgent action. Over the past few months, the country has seen a disturbing rise in murder cases, with the National Police Service recording 339 murders between August and October 2024 alone. This represents a slight increase from previous years, and the frequency of such violent incidents has raised alarms at the highest levels of law enforcement. Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has publicly expressed concern over this trend, stressing the need for more effective responses to combat rising criminal activity.

The increase in violent crime has been particularly marked in urban centers, where gang violence and organized crime have flourished. The surge in murders is often associated with other forms of violent crime, including kidnappings, robberies, and assaults. One of the factors contributing to this rise is the expanding influence of organized criminal groups and informal business dealings that sometimes devolve into violence when disputes occur. In some instances, these criminal activities include human trafficking and smuggling, further complicating efforts to control the situation.

In response to these challenges, the Kenyan police have launched several initiatives. A key strategy has been the creation of special police squads focused specifically on tackling kidnappings and murder cases. These units are equipped with additional resources and training to dismantle the criminal networks responsible for such crimes. Although Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i initially downplayed the scope of the kidnapping crisis, describing it as a “small issue,” he acknowledged that the police were already making significant strides in combating the problem.

Furthermore, police stations in high-crime areas have been restructured to improve law enforcement capacity. For example, in Nairobi, the Karen Police Station was upgraded to a full division in a bid to better tackle the rising levels of armed robbery, burglary, and other violent crimes. This move is part of broader administrative changes aimed at improving policing efficiency in areas experiencing significant criminal activity. In addition to these upgrades, new officers have been assigned to key positions, including the appointment of a new Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) in Karen to oversee security efforts more effectively.

The Kenyan police are also focusing on improving intelligence gathering, which is seen as a critical tool in combatting organized crime. Enhanced cooperation between the police, the National Intelligence Service (NIS), and other security agencies is seen as vital for detecting and preventing crimes before they occur. In particular, the police have emphasized the need for better information-sharing systems that can track and dismantle the networks behind murders and kidnappings.

Despite these efforts, the challenges remain considerable. Many areas in Kenya are struggling with high levels of unemployment, poverty, and marginalization, which have contributed to the growth of gangs and militia groups. The availability of illegal firearms and the fierce competition for resources have further fueled criminal violence, making it more difficult for authorities to maintain control. Additionally, the political climate, with its associated rivalries and instability, often exacerbates the problem, as gangs are sometimes co-opted for political purposes.

As Kenya continues to confront this rising tide of violent crime, the police force is under pressure to prove that their interventions can make a significant impact. The establishment of special squads, the upgrading of police stations, and increased focus on intelligence-led policing are part of a larger effort to stabilize the country’s security situation. However, for these measures to succeed, they will need sustained support and coordination among government agencies, local communities, and international partners.