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Police arrest 26 gang members linked to Diani attack

Attack left several people seriously injured, including students.

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by SHABAN OMAR

Coast24 March 2024 - 10:05
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In Summary


  • The gang terrorised locals with panga attacks, mugging, theft and vandalism.
  • The security team launched multiple operations to curb insecurity in the region.
County Commissioner Stephen Orinde speaks in an interview at Kwale Cultural centre in Matuga sub-county on Friday, March 22, 2024.

At least 26 panga-wielding gang members related to last week's deadly attack in Diani, Kwale county, have been arrested.

The attack left several people seriously injured, including students of the Technical University of Mombasa, Kwale campus.

The students were attacked at the Mbuwani area along Kona Musa-Mabokoni road as they returned from a night party.

The gang also terrorised locals with panga attacks, mugging, theft and vandalism. The security team launched multiple operations to curb insecurity in the region.

Kwale County Commissioner Stephen Orinde said the accused are currently in remand after the police asked for more time to investigate and build a strong case against them.

"We arrested quite a big number of them, took them to court but appealed for additional time to gather substantial evidence to charge the perpetrators," he said.

He said most of the arrested people are aged between 16 and 35 years .

Orinde said police have enhanced both night and day patrols across the county.

He said police patrols have proved to be effective and more gang members shall be brought to book.

The county security team is on high alert and they won't let criminal gangs rule the county.

Orinde said measures are in place to curb the rising insecurity and restore peace and order in the region.

They are also conducting a security baraza in the hard-hit areas to campaign for peace and behavioural change among youth.

On Friday, the county security team led by the county commissioner and deputy government spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga held a meeting at Kwale Cultural Centre in Matuga.

The meeting brought together all Kwale deputy county commissioners, assistant county commissioners, chiefs and their assistants and local police to discuss the status of security and crackdown on illicit brews.

Orinde said they have intensified the war against illicit liquor, drugs and substance abuse and not only in Kwale but in all coastal counties.

He said police raids are being conducted to cleanse the county from illegal businesses.

The administrator warned any police officers and chiefs against sabotaging the operations on drugs and illicit brews.

"No one will be spared, so if any of us takes side with drug barons, be assured of stern legal action," he said.

He reiterated that mnazi brew sellers are not exempted and that they should adhere to the liquor licensing regulations.

Orinde said despite mnazi being legalised by the county, there are no proper regulations to operate the business.

He said a lot of mnazi businesses (mangwes) operate near schools and residential areas contrary to the law.

The security team, Nacada and the county alcohol licensing board are working closely to ensure mnazi is properly regulated.

Chidzuga urged residents to join hands and escalate the fight against illicit brews, drugs and substance abuse.

She said drugs including muguka and bhang have destroyed the lives of many energetic youths in the coastal region.

Chidzuga said the government is committed to ending the vices and raising a responsible society.

The deputy government spokesperson revealed several youths linked to drugs were arrested and some taken to rehabilitation centres.

She also directed chiefs and their assistants to ensure 100 per cent transition to secondary school.

Chidzuga said chiefs must conduct door-door visits and take action against parents whose children have not yet gone to school.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga speaks in an interview at Kwale Cultural centre in Matuga sub-county on Friday, March 22, 2024.
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