Likoni leaders strike deal to foster peace, security and curb crime rate

Stakeholders in Likoni Sub County have held a Community Policing Forum led by the area deputy county commissioner (DCC)  Mathew Wambugu at Licodep Hall Likoni. 

The event, which was the first one of its kind, brought together the OCPD Geoffrey Ruheni, DCIO Issa Said, CIPU Commander Ole Metito, assistant county commissioner (ACC) Likoni Noah Logwatale, assistant county commissioner (ACC) Longo Charity Mwadziwe and  Peace Chairman Walter Kurts were present.

The forum was supported by the Kenya Peace and Security Support Initiative (KEPSSI) an organization that is involved in peace and security programs in Mombasa and other counties. 

Speakers at the event appreciated ongoing efforts to curb crime and foster peace while at the same time calling for an advanced and modern approach that can harness technology to curb crime.

Its chairman Ibrahim Ng’ang’a lauded the initiative and emphasized the need for all stakeholders among them  Grain Bulk Handlers Limited to help adopt new and modern ways of curbing crime.

“We really thank all the participants and leaders. Security is paramount, security is the key to development, we thank every stallholder for coming together and making our forum a success. We should also focus on how we can use technology to bring many people on board,” he said 

The forum brought together Community Policing Committee members from the 5 police stations in Likoni.

 That is Vijiweni, Inuka, Likoni, Shelly Beach and Ferry police station. It is the security of the sub-county that dominated discussions with speakers calling for enhanced and creative ways of community policing. 

They agreed on curbing crime this festive season.

The deputy county commissioner (DCC)Mathew Wambugu commended the community policing committees for the good work they have been doing that has helped in reducing crime and insecurity in Likoni. 

 The sub county Police commander Geoffrey Ruheni called for a good working relationship between the police and the communities.

“Let us work hand in hand with the community to curb crime while at the same time ensuring that officers who were practising impunity are dealt with," he said  

He also promised to improve security along the Shelly Beach area to ensure people enjoy their festive season peacefully. 

The Likoni CID boss  Issa Said highlighted that his officers have managed to crack down on the juvenile criminal gangs which were terrorizing people in Likoni.

“We have dealt with them and are still following up on the few ones left," he said. 

He said they have visited over 20 schools and talked to youths in schools on the importance of being law-abiding citizens and shunning criminal gangs. 

Area Administration Police boss (DAPC) Ole Metito said that his Administration Police officers have been patrolling the area and are always ready to provide support. 

An elderly member of the community policing committee Ali Bellah said he is happy with the support he gets from the Vijiweni station OCS for his swift action wherever called up on and urged other officers to emulate him.

Another member, Mama Amina said the cases of SGBV are on the increase and requested the police not to be compromised by the perpetrators. 

The Peace Chairman Walter Kurts commended the Kenya Peace and Security Support Initiative KEPSSI for supporting the forum and promised to work together in the future.

 Bellah from Mtongwe has hailed the initiative by KEPSSI, admitting that if these issues are not properly addressed the youth might one day revolt through groups such as MRC and cause tension in the County which might scare away tourists and investors and finally destabilize the economy of the area.

Early this year, Mombasa County Commissioner (CC) Abdrisack Jaldesa put on notice street families and beggars who took advantage of the holy month of Ramadhan to crowd Mombasa streets.

Coast residents have consequently been urged to continue maintaining peace and tranquillity to help restore parity in the dwindling tourism sector.

It has deliberately made it a norm to work very closely with security agencies, public and private partners, and National and County government officials to share information related to crime and peace-related Initiatives.

KEPSSI has previously laid out plans to deliberately help improve relations between the police and communities and to enable them to work together in a sustainable and conflict-free way

“We want to find common and collective solutions to community safety and security concerns in Mombasa,” Ng'ang’a said.

He added that with the right intelligence, awareness, sensitization, constant dialogues, capacity building and information sharing, the war on crime and insecurity can be won in a big way.

The multi-agency team has encouraged the public not to shy away from sharing reports that will help reduce crime, alcohol and drug abuse, sexual and gender-based violence, radicalization and recruitment into violent extremism.

A 2022 World Bank report indicates that Mombasa’s history, culture, and current challenges tend to reflect those of the entire former Coast Province, including the counties of Lamu, Kilifi, and Kwale.