Police in Mombasa have arrested nine more suspects in the ongoing security operation within Mombasa Island.
The gang has been terrorising locals in broad daylight with locals and traders complaining of increased mugging incidents in the Central Business District.
According to police, the gang has been terrorising locals in the CBD forcing police to hasten security operation in the entire Mombasa county.
“We will spare no one in the ongoing security operation. We have to ensure every Mombasa resident live and work in a calm secured environment,” stated Mombasa County commander Peter Kimani.
Mwembe tayari local Administrator Mohammed Musa disclosed that the criminals are not from the Island but have been regrouping from other parts of the county from as early as 7 pm and placed themselves strategically to mug locals.
“We are embracing a multi-sectoral approach so that we address it and ensure Mombasa is safe for all,” he said.
Earlier this week, police nabbed at least 163 suspects most of them under 18 years.
The minors arm themselves with pangas and machetes and rob locals their valuables before slashing them with pangas, leaving them with serious injuries.
Mombasa Deputy County Commissioner Ahmed Mahmoud assured residents that the criminal gangs will be distabilised.
Mahmoud who was addressing the media said locals have been living in fear following increased mugging incidents where locals and traders have lost their valuables.
“We will not tolerate such insecurity within Mombasa. Those young boys should be under their parents and going to school but not on the streets mugging people. We will ruthlessly deal with them,” said Mr Mahmoud.
He however, blamed the rise of street families in the county, saying the young boys living on the streets have turned to be serious criminals who should be lawfully punished.
The security operations with Mombasa Island has been accelerated with security agencies saying they are now focussing on the other parts of Mombasa county including; Likoni, Kisauni, Nyali, Jomvu and Changamwe.
