The Mvita Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Ahmed Mohamud announced the arrest of over 163 suspects over the weekend. This proactive effort comes in response to a recent surge in criminal activities, captured on Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV), which has seen criminal gangs terrorizing residents in broad daylight.
The weekend’s crackdown was prompted by alarming footage of a three-man gang, armed with pangas and riding a motorcycle, robbing individuals in the Moons area of Tononoka ward. The gang, which was filmed in the act, later proceeded to the stadium area, continuing their spree of violence. The images of these brazen attacks underscored the urgent need for an intensified security response.
In response to these incidents, DCC Mohamud, along with the sub-county security and intelligence committee, devised a strategic plan to root out criminal elements from Mombasa’s Central Business District (CBD). On Saturday night, two major operations were conducted. The first operation, led by Makupa police station officers, resulted in the arrest of 24 individuals who are scheduled to face court on Monday.
The second operation was a coordinated multi-agency effort involving officers from Central Police Station, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the administration, and the County Inspectorate. This operation yielded significant results, with 75 suspected criminals apprehended and detained at Central Police Station, awaiting court proceedings. An additional 64 suspects were arrested on Sunday, highlighting the sustained efforts to address the crime wave.
DCC Mohamud highlighted that the influx of street families has exacerbated the crime situation, as some criminals have disguised themselves as street urchins to evade detection. These individuals have allegedly turned the Makadara ground into their base, complicating the law enforcement’s efforts. The lack of facilities for rehabilitating these individuals has further strained resources.
The DCC assured residents of their commitment to improving safety and urged the public to actively participate in the fight against crime. He emphasized the importance of community cooperation, urging residents to provide evidence and lodge formal complaints at police stations. “If the case has no complaint, that case is already dismissed because there’s no complainant,” he stated, underlining the need for active community involvement.
Public cooperation is crucial for the effectiveness of the security operations. DCC Mohamud called on residents to support the security efforts, promising that the authorities are strengthening their intelligence operations to better address the criminal activities. Even unverifiable information will be analyzed and investigated to ensure that all possible leads are followed.
In addition to ongoing operations, DCC Mohamud promised to enhance raids on drug dens, where criminals frequently gather. These raids are intended to disrupt the networks that fuel criminal activities and provide a more comprehensive approach to crime prevention.
The Mombasa County Government has also launched its own crackdown on street families, who have increasingly become a nuisance in major streets of the CBD. This initiative aims to address the growing concern among pedestrians and shoppers affected by the presence of street urchins.
Looking forward, DCC Mohamud plans to engage with Boda Boda leadership to ensure that all riders possess valid documentation. This step is part of a broader effort to eliminate criminal elements operating under the guise of legitimate businesses.
The recent arrests and ongoing operations signal a robust response to the criminal challenges facing Mombasa. The combined efforts of law enforcement, government officials, and the community are pivotal in restoring safety and order to the city. As Mombasa continues to grapple with rising crime rates, the commitment to enhancing security and public cooperation remains vital to ensuring a safer environment for all residents.
