A Kwale court has remanded 33 suspected gang members for 14 days following allegations of terrorizing residents in Diani. The suspects appeared before Resident Magistrate Joy Mtimba, facing charges under the Prevention of Organized Crime Act, 2010, for allegedly belonging to a criminal gang.
According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the group is accused of subjecting Diani residents to violent attacks, prompting a swift legal response. Chief Inspector Kennedy Mutunga, representing the prosecution, requested the two-week detention to allow police to finalize investigations. Magistrate Mtimba granted the application, ordering the suspects to be held at various police stations across Kwale, Diani, and Msambweni.
The case highlights growing concerns over gang-related violence in the coastal region, where criminal groups have been linked to robberies, assaults, and extortion. Local authorities have intensified crackdowns in recent months, aiming to restore security in tourist-heavy areas like Diani, which rely heavily on visitor safety.
The ODPP emphasized that the suspects will remain in custody until the next court mention on April 8, 2025, when further directions will be issued. Legal experts note that the 14-day detention aligns with constitutional provisions allowing extended remand for complex organized crime cases.
Residents have welcomed the court’s decision, expressing relief over the arrests but calling for sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks. Community leaders urge enhanced police patrols and intelligence operations to prevent retaliatory attacks.
This case marks a critical step in Kwale’s fight against gang violence, with prosecutors under pressure to secure convictions. If found guilty, the suspects could face severe penalties, including lengthy prison terms under Kenya’s stringent anti-gang laws.
As investigations continue, authorities remain vigilant, balancing due process with public safety demands. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for handling organized crime in the region, reinforcing the judiciary’s role in combating insecurity.
For now, Diani’s residents await justice, hoping the crackdown will bring lasting peace to their community.
