Government forms agency to fight crime in Mombasa

The government has formed a multi-agency team to crack down on notorious criminal gangs that have been terrorising residents of Kisauni.

The team that will be headed by Coast Regional Coordinator Nelson Marwa is targeting Wakali Kwanza and Wakali Wao gangs that have been giving locals sleepless nights.

Mr Marwa said the government provide resources needed in the fight against crime in the area and assured locals of their safety.

“We will facilitate our security agencies so they deal with the notorious gangs. We will provide the officers with all the required support so they can smoke out all the criminals,” Mr Marwa said after chairing a county security committee meeting at his Mombasa office on Monday.

He added: Our officers have been given specific directions. You cannot disturb the peace of the people and be left to walk scot free,” Mr Marwa said.

During the meeting attended by top security officers, Mr Marwa also ordered a local senior Administration Police officer to set up base in one of the affected areas to boost the war on crime.

He also warned those using youth to cause trouble in the region that they will face the full force of the law.

“We cannot have youth men as young as is being used to cause chaos,” Mr Marwa warned.

ARMED WITH KNIVES

On Friday, about 15 youth who were armed with knives attacked two matatus in Kisauni, robbed passengers and injured the driver of one of the vehicles.

Mr Marwa could not confirm if any of those involved in the attack had been arrested.

The administrator also urged residents to help police in the war on crime by providing information on criminals who he said are known to locals.

And on Tuesday, Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya chairman Sheikh Mohamed Khalifa accused parents in Kisauni of not cooperating with police.

“As parents, we must give names of our children who are members of the gangs. They are criminals and must be dealt with. Let’s support security agencies in this war,” said Sheikh Khalifa.

On Saturday, Coast regional police boss Francis Wanjohi also accused parents of not giving needed guidance to children.

Meanwhile, Mr Marwa has called on Governor Hassan Joho to take action against those who tried to eject his deputy, Hazel Katana, from her office last week.

He also urged the governor to assure Ms Katana of her security and work to resolve their differences for the sake of peace.

“The deputy governor should never have been taken through such embarrassment. She is a leader, a mother and deserves respect,” added Mr Marwa.