Mombasa security agents are grappling with
re-emerging crimes by more than 200 juvenile gang members in Likoni.
The gangs have left residents in fear as they attack frequently despite police warnings and assurances that they have been contained.
The
National Intelligence Service has warned that the knife-wielding gangs will adversely affect the county's security amid concerns that they degenerate into more dangerous groups.
In its report, the NIS names Hamadi Ali Nassori, Alia Kimalo, Mohammed alias Moody Awori, Ali alias Killer as ring leaders of Wajukuu wa Bibi and Watalia gangs which operate within Shika Adabu.
Others members include Hamso Shakur, Donny Ally, Mapesa Don and Dara Leckonai.
Security agents are considering publishing the names of all suspects and offering bounties as a strategy to deal with them.
Speaking to The Star on Tuesday, Likoni police boss
Benjamin Rotich at least 10 key leaders of Wakali Kwanza, Watalia, Mtongwe and Wajukuu wa Bibi gangs have been profiled.
These groups are among the most notorious in the city.
Rotich said details of suspects were shared among security agents for profiling, possible arrest and prosecution of key leaders and members.
“Most of them have dropped out of school and are hooked on drugs. They are young and dangerous, but we have laid down strategies to deal with them according to the law," he said.
The county has reported a decline in attacks believed to be by radicalised youths in parts of Mvita, Kisauni and Likoni sub-counties.
But the juvenile gangs are sprouting at a high rate and recruit hundreds of young people, including women.
A series of knife attacks have taken place in Likoni.
Police believe the gangsters use pseudo names and that they brandish machetes while carrying out robberies during which they maim suspects.
On November 21, gangsters slashed residents within Mtongwe in retaliation for the lynching of their key leader identified as Mwalimu Subiri after a foiled robbery.
Last week, security agents killed another member of Watalia within Soweto area after residents raised the alarm about a robbery spree.
The killing has not stopped attacks.
The gangsters, most of them juvenile, carry machetes, knives and crude weapons and are under the influence of drugs.
They target women, children and security agents and kill at the slightest provocation.
A source claimed most criminal gangs were funded by politicians during the August general election and that they resort to continued crimes to fund their lavish lifestyles.
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