The Malindi Sub County Security Committee has pledged a rigorous crackdown on criminals, including narcotic drug traders, land grabbers, and a notorious hit squad allegedly responsible for the murders of elderly persons.
Speaking during the Jamhuri Day celebrations at the Buntwani Waterfront Park in Malindi town on Thursday, Deputy County Commissioner David Lusava, who chairs the security team, announced an all-out war on criminal gangs causing suffering to innocent people in the area, Mr. Lusava assured both locals and visitors of their security during the festive season.
“We put all criminals on notice and assure all those who will come to Malindi during the festivities of their security. Our officers are on high alert and will conduct day and night patrols to ensure you are secure,” he said.
Mr. Lusava equated the narcotic drugs menace to an incurable sore in the sub county but affirmed the government’s commitment to tackling those involved in the trade. He urged the public to cooperate with security officers by providing information confidentially.
The administrator also issued a stern warning to individuals invading, subdividing, and selling private land under the pretext of reclaiming their ancestral land. He noted that several arrests had been made, and those with similar intentions would continue to be pursued, arrested and prosecuted.
“I have heard one of them saying: ‘This is our homeland.’ Does Malindi belong to one community? Malindi is not owned by one community; it belongs to Kenyans. We shall henceforth treat such sentiments as hate speech and arrest and prosecute those who say Malindi belongs to them,” he stated.
Addressing the killings of elderly persons, Mr. Lusava revealed that a hit squad for hire was responsible for the murders. He called on residents to volunteer information to help eliminate the squad.
He reported a resurgence of the killings, especially in Ganda location, where an elderly couple was recently murdered, and Watamu, where a man was beheaded, and his head taken away.
Malindi Sub County Administrator Dadu Chome announced the identification of areas where affordable houses would be constructed, urging residents to support the program that would provide employment to local youths.
He encouraged the youth to pursue technical courses to benefit from the jobs created by the housing scheme, implemented by both the county and national governments.
Mr. Chome also called on small traders wishing to do business in Malindi town to seek guidance from the Malindi Municipality offices instead of setting up unplanned structures, which he said were unsightly, especially to tourists.
Anti-narcotic drugs activist Famau Mohamed Famau called on the government to strengthen the anti-narcotic drugs unit in Kilifi County by increasing the number of officers and equipment, including vehicles, to enhance its effectiveness in combating the menace.
He also urged the county government to revoke licenses of traders selling muguka to young people, noting that those who abuse muguka usually graduate to hard drugs such as cocaine and heroin.
By Emmanuel Masha
