Nakuru residents have raised the red flag over the emergence of criminal gangs in the town.
Residents, who asked for anonymity, said that the emergence of the gangs who reportedly enjoy political networks is a recipe for chaos in the coming elections.
“The writing is on the wall. We have politicians here who are grooming criminal gangs to be used to achieve political goals. We are asking the issue be dealt with at a national level,” a resident, only identified as Mike, said.
The gang, enjoying political connections, is so powerful that they control business areas in the town.
“It is a ruthless gang which was used to deal with hawkers who were resisting eviction. They have even (business) spaces in this town they are selling,” a trader at the Naser market said.
Powerful politicians in the county have been linked to the criminal gangs.
“We know he uses Mungiki to deal with those opposed to his dictatorship,” another trader, who cannot be named because of the sensitivity of the matter, said.
The outlawed gangs are reportedly controlling business spaces and matatus terminus in the town and its outskirts.