Women live in fear of armed gangsters sucking their breasts

What you need to know:

  • Two victims who spoke to the Nation said the youths sucked their breasts to inflict fear on them, however, those who part with Sh20 as protection fee are not harassed by the gangs.

Mombasa women are living in fear of a strange breed of criminals.

The gangsters, aged between 12 and 20 and armed with machetes, terrorise and rob women. When a victim has nothing worth stealing, they suck her breasts.

“If they don’t find you with any cash or valuables including phones, they will undress you, suck your breasts regardless of whether you are a lactating mother or not. They don’t care, it’s like they are possessed,” said a victim.

Two victims who spoke to the Nation said the youths sucked their breasts to inflict fear on them but those who part with Sh20 as protection fee are not harassed by the gangs.

“They will even offer to escort you to your doorstep. These things are rampant in Soko Mjinga and Barsheba,” said the victim.

On Wednesday, women from six constituencies met at a hotel to discuss how to deal with the gangs.

“We are giving the government an ultimatum of seven days to deal with this crime and the perpetrators or else we will take to the streets. Arrest the culprits’ parents,” said Topista Juma, an officer in charge of gender and children at the Muslim for Human Rights Commission.