• He said youth criminal gangs are spreading in Kombani, Mbweka, Maganyakulo, Mnyenzeni, Denyenye and Kigato villages in Matuga.
• Matuga subcounty is one of the areas in Kwale that is known to harbour radicalised youth and criminal gangs.
An assistant chief has raised concern over increased juvenile criminal gangs and insecurity in Matuga, Kwale county.
Waa assistant chief Hamisi Mwamvyoga said the gangs have been terrorising residents and motorists along Likoni-Ukunda highway.
"It is very sad that children are involved in criminal activities threatening people on our roads and villages," he said.
He said youth criminal gangs are spreading in Kombani, Mbweka, Maganyakulo, Mnyenzeni, Denyenye and Kigato villages in Matuga.
The youth use pangas to terrorise and steal from residents.
The gangs operate during the night and hide in dark alleys, from where they prey on citizens going home from work late.
Sometimes the criminals injure people and vandalise vehicles by throwing stones at moving cars, tuk tuks and motorbikes.
Mwamvyoga said the criminals are known but protected by their family members.
"As an administrator, I won't let more people get hurt by youths who live among us," he said.
Mwamvyoga has warned parents against hiding those taking part in criminal activities.
The administrator said the government will not relent in the fight against crime and those found culpable will be arrested and charged.
Mwamvyoga said security agencies are working day and night to fight criminals.
"We will move door to door and arrest the culprits," he said.
Matuga subcounty is one of the areas in Kwale that is known to harbour radicalised youth and criminal gangs.
Msambweni takes the lead with areas like Shamu, Bongwe, Diani, Gombato, Kibundani among others under heavy police surveillance.
According to rights organisations, more than 60 youth have lost lives in terrorism-related activities in Kwale.
In January, regional county commissioner John Elungata put Kwale on alert, saying it is still home to many radicalised youths.
He said the majority of the youth arrested while trying to sneak into Somalia came from the county.
Two weeks ago police in Kombani arrested two individuals suspected of being members of the panga-wielding criminal gangs.
They were nabbed in Mbweka village and police recovered 16 rolls of bang with a street value of more than Sh30,000.
They also seized several pangas, knives, hammers, military caps, helmets, KDF clothes, wallets, identity cards of various people, phones, foreign currencies and DVD players.
Mwamvyoga urged residents to report to police any information that might help in curbing insecurity.
Edited by A.N