Security agents in Mombasa have been challenged to work with residents at grassroots level to tame the emergence of criminal gangs in Mombasa.
Youth activist Omar Chai said the gap between security agencies and locals has led to re-emergence of criminal outfits, most being juvenile gangs.
Speaking in Mombasa, Kadzandani Creative Youth Organisation Coordinator Omar Chai reiterated the need for concerted efforts in a bid to tame the increased insecurity in Mombasa.
Chai noted that the situation has worsened in Kisauni, Nyali, Likoni and Mvita Sub counties.
“The recent CCTV footage capturing criminal gangs terrorising Mombasa residents in broad daylight is extremely shocking, we want the County Commissioner Mohammed Nur to relentlessly battle these gangs,” he said.
At least 177 youth we recently arrested after they terrorised locals in Old town, Bondeni, Tononoka, Majengo and the Central Business District (CBD) around Mwembe tayari areas.
“Most of these youth are actually underage and they should be in school or under their parents’ care. Let’s not use unemployment as scape goat to the increased insecurity in Mombasa,” added Mr Chai.
He warned youth against indulging in crime urging them to focus on initiating and developing sustainable livelihood.
Poor parenting
He further warned that the end will not go down well with the youth and their parents too, because security agents may be triggered to employ excessive force to curtail the ugly situation.
The activist further blamed parents for failing in their parental obligations.
“How do you allow your underage child to have the total freedom, to an extent of joining criminal gangs?” posed Chai.
In a recent operation conducted in Mombasa CBD, over 177 suspects were arrested, Mr Nur saying they will not back down until all criminal gangs are neutralised.
“I equally blame parents on the rising insecurity in Mombasa. We will relentless fight this insecurity issue. We will face these gangs head on,” said Nur