Kisauni MP Bedzimba denies financing Mombasa gangs, threatens to sue his accusers

Kisauni MP Rashid Bedzimba speaks at a past event. He has denied funding the notorious Wakili Kwanza and Wakali Wao gangs operating in Mombasa and threatened to sue anyone linking him to them. FILE PHOTO | KEVIN ODIT | NATION MEDIA GROUP

By  MOHAMED AHMED

What you need to know:

  • This came after a Mombasa-based businessman, Ali Mbogo, on Monday, accused Mr Bedzimba of funding the gangs.
  • Mbogo made the claims after he was attacked by knife-wielding youth, reportedly as Mr Bedzimba watched.
  • Mr Marwa claimed that an MP has been supporting notorious gangs that have been a headache to the security agents in Mombasa.
  • Mr Marwa has also been quoted as saying the said groups have been formed to disrupt the 2017 general elections.

Kisauni MP Rashid Bedzimba has come out for the first time to defend himself against claims that he is funding criminal gangs in the county.

He challenged anyone with evidence that he is behind the notorious Wakili Kwanza and Wakali Wao gangs to produce it.

Mr Bedzimba said he was not responsible for any gangs in Kisauni and threatened to sue anyone linking him to such groups.

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This came after a Mombasa-based businessman, Ali Mbogo, on Monday, accused Mr Bedzimba of funding the gangs.

He made the claims after he was attacked by knife-wielding youth, reportedly as Mr Bedzimba watched, after they both attended a burial on Saturday.

“Since the residents and security officers raised concerns about him, the MP has not condemned the gangs as anyone would expect a leader to do.

“This clearly shows he is encouraging them. How can I be attacked in his presence and he goes away without a word?” wondered Mr Mbogo.

DENIED FUNDING GANGS

However, Mr Bedzimba, who spoke after Coast Regional Coordinator Nelson Marwa claimed a local politician was funding the gangs, denied any links to the groups.

Mr Marwa claimed that an MP has been supporting notorious gangs that have been a headache to the security agents in Mombasa.

The official vowed that police will soon arrest the said politician.

“We have information that a leader in Kisauni is mobilising gangs to deal with certain individuals. It has taken some time but he will be arrested soon,” said Mr Marwa.

DISRUPT 2017 ELECTIONS

Mr Marwa has also been quoted as saying the said groups have been formed to disrupt the 2017 general elections.

But Mr Bedzimba Tuesday denied knowledge of the allegations against him saying: “I have not heard it but the moment I hear anyone associating me with those gangs, I will move to court so they can explain.”

He added: “Then I will require that they prove their allegations. As a leader, my focus is on serving my people. I respect Marwa as a security official but he should focus on fighting crime.

“I am not a police officer to go around arresting youth who engage in crime. If the police have information about these gangs, they should arrest and take them to court.

“We have laws in this country which everyone is expected to follow.”

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