Madogo residents decry attacks from criminal gang

A section of Madogo residents in Tana River have decried rising insecurity from a criminal gang known as Kayole.

The residents said security agencies should root out the terror group causing havoc.

MP Ali Wario said it's time for community leaders to agree on how to tackle the gang before it’s too late.

Wario spoke on Wednesday during the inauguration of the newly created Bangale subcounty.

“We cannot have a gang stabbing people in broad daylight. We know all the children from each of the communities. We have to be sincere and name the suspects so that the law can take its course,” he said.

The legislator said if the community does not strive to resolve the issue it is going to be like a cancer.

“There are Nyumba Kumi elders and headsmen, why have we had kayole gang for this long?” he said.

Madogo MCA Abdi Argamso said residents should stop defending the criminals and instead help the police restore peace.

“Some of the members of this gang are small children whom we cannot say are beyond their parents' reproach. You know them and their parents, so let’s come together and agree to end this group,” he said.

Argamso said residents should stop saying that the government is targeting their children.

“We are all parents of these children and we will bear the responsibility of their actions,” he said.

Tana River county commissioner Thomas Sankei, who also appointed the new deputy county commissioner, tasked the team to work hard and restore peace in Madogo within the shortest time possible.

“Now you have a new subcounty. We also have a deputy county commissioner and subcounty police commander who will work in collaboration with your elders to end this menace,” he said.

Sankei said the community should not allow the gang to grow further.

"Residents should share information so that the criminals can be arrested,” the commissioner said.

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)