Mudavadi warns goons could evolve into terrorist groups

Nairobi, Kenya - Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has cautioned that gangs engaged in criminal activities could potentially transform into extremist or terrorist groups if their actions are not closely monitored. This warning comes as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election, which will see a surge in public gatherings across the nation.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Kenya Counter-Terrorism Hotline, Mudavadi emphasized the importance of vigilance and monitoring from both communities and security agencies. He stressed that these groups should not be permitted to grow, as they might easily shift from petty crimes to violent extremism.

Mudavadi urged citizens and security agencies to maintain a heightened sense of alertness regarding the activities of such gangs. He highlighted the risk of radicalization and the potential for these groups to evolve into violent extremist entities. To facilitate reporting of suspected radicalization and terrorism, Mudavadi launched the Kenya Counter-Terrorism Hotline, which can be reached at 0800 900 900.

This hotline offers Kenyans a confidential and direct means to provide information to security agencies, anonymously and without fear of exposure.

Mudavadi highlighted the hotline as a crucial development in the nation's counter-terrorism efforts, noting it will enable early detection of threats by fostering collaboration between communities and specialized security agencies. He advised responsible use of the hotline to report any suspicious extremist or terrorist activities.

Additionally, Mudavadi cautioned about the security implications of large public gatherings leading up to the election, as these events could attract terrorist threats due to their crowded nature.

He also pointed out that the threat of terrorism extends beyond physical spaces, particularly in the digital realm, where cyber-terrorism poses a growing risk. Mudavadi pointed to a worldwide trend where the Horn of Africa could experience intensified terrorism due to regional conflicts, extremism, and weakened state institutions.

According to the 2026 Global Terrorism Index, six of the ten countries most affected by terrorism are in Sub-Saharan Africa, and four of the five countries responsible for nearly 70% of global terrorism deaths are in Africa.

Mudavadi, representing President William Ruto, framed the hotline as part of broader collaborative efforts between Kenya, the United Kingdom, and the United States to prevent and counter violent extremism and terrorism. He emphasized that the hotline serves as an essential platform for enhanced cooperation between communities and security agencies to ensure Kenya remains a safe and peaceful country for all its citizens.

Mudavadi concluded by reiterating that security is a shared responsibility, urging Kenyans to heed the advice of security agencies: "security begins with you."