Highlights:
At least 50 youth from a notorious gang in Mombasa County in Kenya were arrested following a Wednesday 2nd December security crackdown on the notorious machete-wielding gang.
Summary:
Police in Mombasa County have launched a major security crackdown on a notorious gang popularly known as ‘Wakali Kwanza’ that has been terrorizing the residents.
The operation commissioned by the Mombasa County Commissioner, Nelson Marwa on Wednesday 2nd December ked to the arrest of at least 50 youth aged between 12 and 17 in their hideout.
Security agencies at the Kenyan Coastal town have been keeping the youths purported to belong to gangs financed by prominent wealthy people at the coast on the watch list. Reports indicate that the gang member receive KSH500 when they go on an operation and are bailed out by the same financiers when they get arrested.
The Wakali Kwanza gang used machetes and walks in groups where they attack pedestrians and motorists creating unrest and fear among the residents.
Experts have expressed their fear of the gang turning into more dangerous militia that could be used as a front for terror groups to mount attacks at the Kenyan coast or worse is exploited as professional militia to cause havoc.
The gang which is becoming fast rising is purported to have daily training sessions at Manyani Beach between 5am and 8 am before they embark on their daily escapades. Security analysts warned that if no immediate action is taken to combat their emergence they could pose a threat like their compatriots MRC.
The Mombasa County Commissioner has however sworn to crack the whip on the gang by arresting the youth and ensuring justice is served especially as the town heads into the festive season which is characterized by tourists both domestic and foreign.
Additionally the said barons and financiers of these youth gangs are expected to be arrested and charges pressed against them to prevent the youth from being exploited and used to commit violence.
