Mention of city gangs evokes memories of Gaza, a once-feared criminal gang that sprung in Kayole, terrorised residents as it spread in other neighbourhoods in Eastlands.
Gaza was not birthed far away from Umoja, the two neighbourhoods are a stone’s throw from each other. It began as a group of idle young men hanging around the estate, and soon morphed into one of the city’s most organised and violent gangs.
Many young men who had dropped out of school turned to petty crime, stealing phones, breaking into houses, and snatching handbags.
As the groups became more organized, they adopted the name Gaza and built a hierarchy. Recruits, sometimes as young as 13, were lured with promises of quick money, protection, and fame.
To prove loyalty, new members were forced to commit violent acts, often robberies. Those who tried to quit faced brutal punishment.
The gang spread to Umoja, Buru Buru, Kariobangi, Dandora, Maili Saba, Mwiki, Kasarani, Mathare, Mlango Kubwa and Majengo. Members armed themselves with knives, razor blades, and later, firearms. Motorcycles were introduced to ease their escape after crimes.
For years, Kayole became a no-go zone. Traders closed early to avoid extortion, while M-Pesa shop owners reinforced their businesses with grills. Matatu operators were not spared, Gaza demanded “squads” (levies) from drivers and conductors. Crews that refused to comply had their vehicles blocked from operating on routes under gang control.
What set Gaza apart was its access to guns. Police later established the group had links to rogue officers and businessmen who supplied them with firearms. This turned the gang from petty thieves into full-fledged armed robbers. Muggings, carjackings, and house break-ins became routine, leaving residents in constant fear.
The gang also cultivated a cult-like following around Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel. Members openly described him as their “god,” claiming his lyrics guided their lifestyle. They mimicked his dress code; flashy jewelry, oversized hoods, tattoos, and his association with violence, drugs, and vulgarity resonated with the disillusioned youth.
Gaza’s notoriety drew the attention of police, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations launched a crackdown. Soon after, dozens of suspected members were profiled and gunned down in backstreets or during alleged confrontations.
Human rights groups condemned the killings, warning that many of the slain were under 18 and could have been rehabilitated. But some residents quietly supported the heavy-handed approach, saying it was the only way to restore safety. By 2018, Gaza had been largely dismantled, its leaders either dead or gone into hiding.
