Kwale security officers are hunting for thugs posing as police, terrorising residents, assaulting and extorting them over Covid violations.
County Commissioner Joseph Kanyiri said on Sunday police impersonators take advantage of the Covid-19 curfew and rules to defraud and harass residents. Some may be violating curfew, some not wearing face masks - some are just robbed.
"The gang is believed to be exploiting restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus to terrorise residents," he said.
Some wear phony uniforms while others in civilian clothes use flashing car lights like those used by real cops.
Others erect fake roadblocks especially in rural areas to conduct unlawful traffic stops and rob or extort.
Kanyiri urged residents to remain vigilant and alert authorities to arrest the criminals.
"Our police don't use force, beat innocent locals or ask for money, I would advise you to report to a nearby police station once you come across such people, " he said.
Kanyiri expressed concern that the few perpetrators can harm the public's trust in the law enforcement officers and said they must be stopped and soon will be.
Impersonating a police officer is a serious criminal offence and punishable by law. He warned of stern action.
Similar cases were reported in 2020 during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Youths in Matuga, Kinango and Lunga-Lunga subcounties were setting up illegal roadblocks and demanding cash from motorists.
Some posed as road workers but they were digging potholes that would stop motorists so they could be ambushed.
The racket thrived along the Mazera-Kinango route.
The same year, some youths in Kwale town used chilli powder to temporarily blind people so they could rob them at night.
Another group was breaking into houses and cars using master keys.
Some were arrested and charged.
The spike in criminal activities was witnessed after many people lost jobs due to the pandemic leading to youth seeking illegal ways of making money.
(Edited by V. Graham)
