Perception of Peace Actors on the Nexus between Criminal Gangs and Violent Extremism in the Coast of Kenya

Abstract A growing body of scholarly literature suggests convergence or linkage between Criminal Gangs (CGs) and Violent Extremism (VE) in various parts of the world (Hubschle, 2011). However, the connection between CG and VE remains unclear and contrast substantially, based on area, context and perspective of criminal gangs and VE groups. While studies have been done in other parts of the world, no such studies have been done in the Coastal Region of Kenya to link CGs and VE groups. This is despite the widespread operation of VE groups such as the Somali based Al-Shabaab and many criminal gangs in the region to mention a few the Kapenguria six, Wajukuu wa Babu, Wakali Wao, Wakali Kwanza, Wajukuu wa Bibi, Wajukuu wa Mtume among others. Accordingly, this study provides the perception of peace actors, community, government and civil society personnel, on the Coast of Kenya on the nexus between criminal gangs and VE. The findings are based on a survey study involving sixty (60) peace actors who responded to a questionnaire study that was distributed in May and June 2019 in Mombasa, Kenya.