Religious leaders in Likoni Sub-County, Mombasa, have sounded the alarm over the rising cases of juvenile crime, urging for a united front among police, political leaders, and parents to curb the growing menace of violent youth gangs.
The calls were made during Good Friday commemorations in Mtongwe, with church leaders expressing concern over a recent report by the National Crime Research Centre (NCRC), which revealed Mombasa as the leading county in terms of criminal gang activity, with at least 73 gangs operating in the area.
Likoni Sub-County has become a hotspot for notorious juvenile gangs, including Panga Boys, Gaza, and Squad Chafu. These groups are reportedly responsible for a wave of terror targeting both residents and visitors.
Fr. Henry Ndune of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church condemned the involvement of boys as young as 13 years in criminal activities, urging parents to take greater responsibility in instilling good morals in their children. “We must instil good morals in them,” he emphasized.
Fr. Ndune also highlighted the role of the church in prevention efforts, notably through the “Making Life Responsible Choices” (MLRC) programme currently running in three schools in Likoni. The initiative aims to guide youth away from crime and drug use by promoting ethical decision-making and self-awareness.
He further encouraged parents to understand the programme’s modules, which include gender education and civic responsibility. “Children must know their gender and grow into responsible citizens,” he stated.
Commending the police for heightened security efforts and arrests of offenders, Fr. Ndune called for sustained collaboration among all stakeholders to prevent the juvenile gang issue from escalating into a full-blown crisis.
He also condemned the use of youth in political violence, warning leaders against exploiting vulnerable young people for political gain. “When they are arrested, the politicians run away, leaving parents in agony,” he lamented.
Fr. Mwatigina Mghanga echoed these sentiments, noting that positive parenting plays a critical role in child behavior. He praised the government’s recent launch of the National Positive Parenting programme, which seeks to equip parents with essential skills to raise morally upright children.
