Kenya, like most countries in the world, battles with all forms of crime. Day and night, cases ranging from minor to grave crimes reach police desk. However, the prevalence of crime in Kenya varies in different ways. It may depend on geographical region, i.e. counties experience crime variedly. Compounded with rampant unemployment among youth, the problem is more complex than before. Cases of graduates joining terror groups like Al-Shabaab and ISIS are on the increase. Young girls are reverting to prostitution as gun-toting youth terrorize city dwellers in broad daylight. This article gives you a breakdown of 10 most committed crimes in Kenya:
- Carjacking and armed robbery
It is the most committed crime in Kenya with Nairobi experiencing more incidents. According to the bureau of consumers’ affairs, at least 10 incidents are recorded in Nairobi on a daily basis. The carjackers have many ways to accomplish their mission. Today they pose like police officers on patrol, lay to wait for victims at money transfer agents, ATM outlets and at the bank entrance.
- Theft and pick pocketing
Pickpocket and thieves carry out snatch and run crimes on streets, near crowds, in houses, offices and hotel rooms. They break into offices and force staffs to open the safes where they steal and drive off. Thieves snatch jewelry and other valuables from unsuspecting members of the public. Others impersonate police officer to steal from gullible tourists.
- Cattle rustling and bandits
It is alarming among pastoral communities. Cattle rustling and banditry in Kenya is rife in the North Rift region. Apart from raiding livestock, bandits also attack villagers, causing havoc. Worst hit areas include Kapedo, West Pokot and Baringo. Most of these attacks also claim the lives of security officers.
- Ethnic violence
Ethic violence is not new in Kenya. Since post independence, communities have fought bloody wars. Ethnic clashes are common along borders where communities fight over land and water for livestock. For instance, the Pokot and Turkana perennially clash over water resources. Political leaders have been arraigned in recent days in court for fanning ethnic violence.
- Corruption
Paying bribes to police and bureaucrats remains a routine among Kenyans. With mega corruption cases such as chicken gate scandal, NYS saga, Youth Fund, and mismanagement of the Eurobond, Kenya is bleeding. Ranked 139 in corruption perception index in 2012 Kenyans are always demanding bribes to get things done. This widespread corruption tearing apart Kenya’s economy is attributed to weak institutions, including EACC, which is unable to conduct credible investigations.
- Terrorism
Kenya has hit international headlines in the last 5 years for all the wrong reasons, terrorism. From Westgate attack in 2013 to the bloody Garissa University attack in 2015, Al Shabaab remains to a security threat to Kenya. The militants have resorted to luring desperate youth into crime with the promise of a better life. Common targets include police stations and police vehicles, nightclubs, and churches.
- Drug abuse
Drug abuse is a major crime among Kenyan youth. It is a real threat to generation next. Mombasa is one of the worst hit counties in the country. Here, cases of drug injection are a norm. Compounded with drug trafficking, the number of drug addicts is always on the increase. Commonly abused drugs include bhang, heroin, cocaine, and khat among others.
- Rioting and Looting
Rioting in Kenya is very common, especially among college students. A month hardly ends before a university in Kenya closes indefinitely because of strikes. When this happens, students turn the anger to the administration. They damage property and go on a looting spree. They also disrupt normal lives by blocking roads.
- Mob justices
Many Kenyans hold that justice delayed is justice denied. Because of unwinding cases and the long process it takes to convict criminals, some Kenyans take matters into their hands. They serve suspects with ‘instant justice’ through mob justice. In worst cases, they lynch suspects, thus denying them a chance to stand trial and get a fair hearing.
- Human trafficking
This involves individuals who use human beings to earn illegal money. Children are the most vulnerable. In most cases, perpetrators ask for millions in form of ransom. Women are also being lured into sexual slavery in Arab countries in the name of finding better jobs. Busia and Garissa register high cases of human trafficking, as they are border points.
By Catherine Akuku
