Coast Regional Police Commander (RPC) Ali Nuno has issued a stern warning to criminal gangs terrorising residents in Likoni and Diani, vowing decisive action against the lawbreakers.
Speaking during a series of public engagements on security in Likoni Sub-County and Diani Municipality, Nuno reassured the public of a renewed crackdown on criminal elements.
His statement follows a recent surge in crime, including a high-profile supermarket burglary in Likoni and violent attacks in Diani.
At LICODEP Hall, Likoni, the RPC received 100 youth who have renounced crime. RPC Nuno promised to work with the residents to address the emerging security cases. “I am ready to work with you as the RPC,” he stated, emphasising that the days of a thief are numbered.
He advised the youth to desist from criminal activities, saying the social implications of conflicting with the law would ruin their future.
Nuno called on legislators to review the bail system for capital offenders, arguing that criminals exploit bail to fund further offences.
The police boss further encouraged youth to explore various employment opportunities in the Blue Economy, Digital Economy and overseas.
“Opportunities are there, my sons and daughters. My office has an open-door policy; you can come anytime,” he said.
Mombasa County Commissioner Mohamed Noor encouraged the reformed youth to join TVETs to get skills in preparation for the more than 30,000 employment opportunities that would be created by the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone in the sub-county.
Nur said the local youth would only be given priority in the jobs if they were skilled, urging them to shun crimes and seize the job opportunities.
Nominated Senator Miraj Abdillahi wants a special programme to be started akin to the Nairobi River Regeneration programme for the Likoni youth to maintain the beaches instead of being idle.
She further alleged that most of the juvenile gangs were politically instigated groups for political expediency. “We give them immunity and release them from police custody,” she alleged.
The reformed youth urged the government to provide them with job opportunities to earn a living. They cited drug abuse, bootleg liquor, and lack of jobs as the main reasons for engaging in criminal activities.
They promised to shun criminal activities and affirmed their readiness to join TVETs to gain skills and knowledge.
In the tourist municipality of Diani, the RPC assured residents, business owners, and tourists that they have heightened security.
Security concerns in Diani have escalated following the fatal stabbing of a 29-year-old man. The attack, which led to the arrest of two suspects, sparked violent protests as locals attempted to storm the police station to lynch the suspects.
Police managed to contain the situation, but businesses remained shut during the victim’s burial as criminals exploited the unrest to loot.
In response, police launched a crackdown, arresting 59 suspects. Nuno urged the public to cooperate by identifying criminals and lodging complaints at the Diani Police Station.
Speaking at the Jogoo Ground in Diani, RPC Nuno said they have talked with the youth, and what will follow is stern action.
He directed the Kwale County Police Commander to ensure all the criminals were arrested and to deal with the troublemakers decisively.
“We want justice to be done to the injured. Let the group be a precedent to others who harbour the intent to commit crimes,” he stated, promising to put an end to the criminal activities.
Nuno further said if there was laxity on the police side, it would be addressed instead of blame games.
“Work must be done; we don’t want games. These young people shouldn’t overpower you. If the youth have defeated you, then there is no mandate for you to be here. Every day somebody is bleeding,” said Nuno.
“The County Commander, Sub-County Police Commander, and Deputy County Commissioner are here; what work are we doing? We will not accept that. Work must be done, and the youth we will arrest,” added the tough-talking police boss.
He further urged parents to be responsible by monitoring their children’s behaviours, warning that parents whose underage children engaged in crime would be arrested alongside their children for neglecting their parental responsibility.
He encouraged criminals to borrow a leaf from their Likoni counterparts by surrendering to the police.
“I want to assure the public that your safety and security will be provided by your government. We have a responsibility,” he stated.
By Sadik Hassan
