Security beefed up after alert of possible Shabaab attack
A police officer checks at vehicles in Mombasa in an effort to beef up security within the town on May 3, 2015. PHOTO | LABAN WALLOGA | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- County Commissioner Maalim Mohamed said on Monday more undercover and uniformed police officers, as well as surveillance equipment including CCTV cameras, had been increased in places frequented by people in a move to boost security.
- On criminal gangs such as Wakali Wao and Wakali Kwanza in Kisauni that terrorise residents, Mr Mohamed warned that they would be wiped out.
The government says security has been beefed up in major installations in Mombasa following an international alert on the possibility of an Al-Shabaab attack.
County Commissioner Maalim Mohamed said on Monday more undercover and uniformed police officers, as well as surveillance equipment including CCTV cameras, had been increased in places frequented by people in a move to boost security.
“We have put adequate security measures and I want to assure members of the public that we are in control of the situation,” said Mr Mohamed.
He said the Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Ferry Service Likoni channel, Moi International Airport, churches, hotels, public beaches, shopping malls and other establishments were under 24-hour guard.
“We will meet with all security firms in the county and other stakeholders this week to strategise further,” said Mr Mohamed. “I believe this is an important step towards securing our county.”
On criminal gangs such as Wakali Wao and Wakali Kwanza in Kisauni that terrorise residents, Mr Mohamed warned that they would be wiped out.
He also warned against narcotics, saying: “Drug addiction is fuelling insecurity in Mombasa.
“But we will deal with the source. We want to send a strong warning to the criminal youth gangs that we are coming for you.”
The administrator accused parents of abdicating their duty and allowing their children to engage in criminal activities by failing to monitor their movements.
“Many boys in Mombasa are drug addicts,” said Mr Mohamed. “But where are the parents?
“Some parents have left their children to rule the families instead of them taking charge.
“How does your boy spend the night away only to come home with laptops, expensive phones, iPads...and you just keep quiet, without finding out where he got them from?”
He said security agencies were determined to end insecurity in the county.
“When I was the DC here, I could walk from my office to GPO or anywhere without worrying. But I am informed that, today, knife-wielding youth have made this impossible and Fort Jesus and Old Town a no-go zone.
“I want to assure you that we will make this history.”
