Police arrest 119 in crackdown on criminals in Mombasa

Nyali police boss Christopher Rotich (right) and other officers during a crackdown on criminals in Likoni sub-county, Mombasa, on March 29, 2018. PHOTO | WACHIRA MWANGI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • He challenged civil societies in the county to sensitise Mombasa residents about their rights.
  • Mr Ipara assured the residents of Likoni and Mombasa of their security as the operation continues.

  • The police combed Mtongwe, Bububu, Shika Adabu, Timbwani, Approved, Shonda, and Barabara ya Mchanga areas in an effort to rid Likoni of criminal gangs that have been terrorising the residents.

Security Agencies in Mombasa have arrested 119 suspects in a major crackdown on suspected criminals who have been terrorising residents.

This comes barely two weeks after 12 other suspects were killed.

County police commander Johnston Ipara led the regular and Administration Police officers in combing Mtongwe, Bububu, Shika Adabu, Timbwani, Approved, Shonda, and Barabara ya Mchanga in an effort to rid Likoni of criminal gangs .

“During the operation, we arrested 119 suspects who we shall subject to further interrogation and they will be charged for various offences among them being in possession of illicit brew, drugs and dangerous weapons,” the commander said.

He said the morning operation was meant to manage  security situation in Likoni.

PROFILE SUSPECTS

“This particular operation will continue until we hear from the people we serve that they are satisfied with the security condition in Mombasa,” Mr Ipara said.

He added that they will conduct a profile for all the suspects and they will be charged once investigation are concluded.

“Some of these suspects were involved in serious offences. Based on the history from our crime-desk and evidence from the members of the public, we will charge them in court,” Mr Ipara said.

He challenged the civil societies in the county to talk about the rights of every person more so those who can’t defend themselves.

“Have they talked about the Maasai killed at Jamvi la Wageni, the other young man killed within Soweto and the 53 year-old man killed along Mchanga Road near shika Adabu? These activists should learn to talk about the rights of everybody and not selected group of people,” Mr Ipara added.

OPERATION CONTINUES

Mr Ipara said the security operation continues.

“What we require from the members of the public is their support and information. The information they hold is useful to us and it assists in the success of the operation.” Mr Ipara noted.

He said the service will continue to be objective in performing its duty.

Likoni MP Mishi Mboko who was at Shika Adabu for a forum with the community members lauded the action by police in bringing sanity in Likoni.

Ms Mboko challenged parents to take responsibility of their children and family members.  She urged residents to cooperate with the security agencies in the fight against criminals in the area.