Kwale business operators decry increased insecurity

The business people said cases of juvenile criminal gangs and theft have been on the rise in the area in recent days. 

Their chairperson Richard Onsongo said young people walk around terrorising people with pangas and machetes during the night.

"The issue of juvenile gangs attacking residents with pangas is alarming and very heartbreaking," he said.

Onsongo said the juvenile gangs can attack as early as 7pm and now residents are living in fear.

He said the situation is affecting their businesses as they cannot operate freely due to fear of attack. 

Onsongo said business people are forced to close their premises early because the streets are no longer safe.

He said some residents are robbed in a broad daylight and the culprits walk  scot free.

Onsongo accused the area police of doing little to address the insecurity.

"The insecurity cases are now almost becoming the order of the day. We don't know what the work of police is," he said.

The chairperson alleged security officers have shifted their focus to soliciting bribes from innocent bar owners and mnazi sellers who struggle to make a living.

However, Msambweni subcounty police commander Francis Gachoki denied all the allegations made against police officers.

He said the security officers has been able to subdue criminal activities, adding that Diani and the entire Kwale is safe.

Onsongo also blamed parents for neglecting their responsibilities. 

He said parents are pampering their criminal children hence the increased insecurity in the area.

Onsongo said some parents are accepting stolen property from their children without questioning and rush to bail them out once they get arrested.

He urged the security agencies to treat such parents as accomplices of criminal activities and should be arrested and presented in court. 

Another business person James Nyakiti said some of the criminal youth prey on lone residents in dark corners and those coming from work late.

He said a juvenile gang member last week attacked and stabbed one of his friends at Jogoo within Ukunda. 

The victim was returning home from work, according to Nyakiti. He called on the area police to enhance security.

Fruits and vegetable seller Patronilla Ingasia said they are normally attacked while going to Kongowea market in the morning. 

She said small children steal their purses, phones and money and flee.

Ingasia said the criminal activities have made business almost impossible as profits are taken by criminals.

"They ambush us while going home at night since they know we have carried all the day's hard-earned money," she said.

A resident Lameck Otieno said the insecurity is creating fear and tension.

He said residents are always worried and don't live in peace after hearing cases of knife attacks every day.

Police boss Gachoka urge anyone with a complaint to use the right channel to report.

"Security is intact and there is nothing to worry about. Our officers are alert and have done well in curbing criminal activities," he said.

Gachoki said they don't entertain laxity and are working to ensure criminals are arrested and taken to court.

He, however, warned against inciting young people to violence, adding that the perpetrators will be shown no mercy and law shall take course.

Last year, Kwale recorded rampant cases of insecurity in Matuga and Msambweni forcing security various agencies to intervene.

Recently, a group of business youth in Ukunda were left counting losses after an unknown person stole property worth half a million.

 

 

 

-Edited by SKanyara