Murkomen vows tough measures to end rising coastal gang violence

Armed juvenile gang violence continues to rear its head along the coast, with attacks on locals, traders, and tourists occurring day and night, despite ongoing crackdowns by security agencies.

Yesterday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced that the police would intensify efforts to restore peace in the region. He also confirmed that a tourist had been attacked in the Pembe za Ndovu area.

He also confirmed that a German tourist had been attacked in the Pembe za Ndovu area, with their phone stolen by a lone assailant. Murkomen attributed the attack to a failure in coordination among police officers, acknowledging that laxity had played a part in the incident.

“It’s true that a tourist was robbed by a lone criminal, but this was due to a breakdown in coordination by the tourist security officers. It was an isolated case,” Murkomen explained, reassuring the public that the attacker was being actively pursued, though they had not yet been apprehended.

Just last week, Mombasa Police Commander Maxwel Gogo revealed that at least 100 suspected gang members, including street children, had been arrested since Monday. These juvenile gangs, aged between 13 and 25, initially wreaked havoc in Mombasa but have since spread to nearby areas, such as Kisauni, Likoni, Diani, Ukunda, Kombani, and Ng’ombeni in Kwale County.

In response to the surge in violence, authorities have imposed restrictions on night wedding celebrations in several coastal areas, as these events have become frequent targets for gang raids.

Speaking at the Coast regional office in Uhuru Na Kazi building yesterday, Murkomen addressed the resurgence of gang activity in the region. “There have been ongoing concerns about the security situation in the region, and we have addressed many of them in the past. However, the recent resurgence of these gangs calls for a national-level intervention,” Murkomen stated.

“We are actively working on measures to enhance security in the region, with a particular focus on safeguarding tourists,” Murkomen added.

During his six-day tour of the Coast region, Murkomen announced plans to visit Lamu, Tana River, and other counties to assess the situation and implement solutions.

“To dismantle these gangs, we will engage the youth in constructive activities, such as involving them in the construction of affordable housing projects,” he said.

He also called on regional leaders—including chiefs, assistant chiefs, and police officers—from six counties to remain vigilant regarding land disputes, which can often lead to violence.

“We must ensure that all land disputes are resolved through the courts to maintain peace and stability in the region,” Murkomen urged.

He also appealed to local leaders to address the growing issue of drug and substance abuse in Mombasa, saying it as a serious threat to the future prosperity of the youth in the area.

Murkomen further promised to address the welfare of police officers, acknowledging that mental health issues within the force had led to distressing incidents, including suicides and violent attacks on their families.

“We are committed to improving the working conditions and welfare of police officers, particularly by addressing the long hours they work. This will help mitigate the mental health challenges that have contributed to tragic outcomes for officers and their families,” he explained.

To improve police welfare, Murkomen outlined plans to provide better housing for officers, ensuring they have access to safer and more comfortable living conditions.

He called on immigration officers to expedite the issuance of identity cards and passports for youths, ensuring that they receive their documents within seven days of application. This comes after the removal of the Sh300 levy previously required for ID issuance.

He also confirmed that five local Kenyan officials have been released from captivity, two months after they were kidnapped by suspected Islamist gunmen in the northeast of the country. “Yes, they have been released because the government has been working closely with people who matter to have them released,” said Murkomen.