579 Kenyans Killed by Mob Justice in 2025, Murkomen Says

Mob justice in Kenya claimed 579 lives in the past year, with 845 incidents reported nationwide, according to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. 

He revealed the figures during a Senate address, highlighting the growing threat to public safety and the rule of law. Murkomen attributed the rise in mob violence to widespread public distrust in the criminal justice system, where many citizens believe investigations and court processes are slow and biased. 

The minister also pointed to the release of suspects on bail as a major trigger for violent reactions. Kiambu and Nairobi counties recorded the highest number of deaths, with 58 and 55 fatalities, respectively. Other regions, including Kisumu, Embu, and Kirinyaga, also saw significant cases, while Marsabit, Taita Taveta, and Tana River reported fewer incidents. In total, 266 people were injured in mob attacks.

The Cabinet Secretary also identified factors such as drug abuse, social media’s role in spreading crime-related videos, and high youth unemployment as contributors to the growing acceptance of mob justice. Additionally, organised criminal gangs, once mainly active in Nairobi, have spread across the country, often aided by political interests during elections.

In response, the government has launched operations targeting criminal gangs and drug networks, along with improving police training in crowd control. Police stations have been instructed to establish rapid-response teams to address mob violence, particularly in urban areas.