Youth and police officers in Likoni have been urged to embrace dialogue and collaboration in resolving conflicts and improving security in the sub-county.
The call was made during a community engagement forum held at Vitsangalaweni area in Vijiweni, bringing together youth, security officers and civil society actors to address rising insecurity and strained relations between police and residents.
The forum was organised by Vocal Africa in partnership with the Amazing Group of Persons with Disabilities, a community-based organisation.
Speaking during the event, Vocal Africa Projects Lead Naheeda Kassim said the meeting provided an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss challenges affecting young people and the wider community.
“This forum has allowed us to sit down together and discuss insecurity, police harassment, timely reporting of crime and adherence to the rule of law,” Kassim said.
She added that Vocal Africa remained committed to strengthening relations between law enforcement agencies and communities in Mombasa and beyond.
Several youths who spoke during the meeting accused some police officers of harassment and extortion, and called for stronger accountability measures within the police service.
Officer Commanding Vijiweni Police Station, Chief Inspector Titus Kyalo, who led the sensitisation session, said lasting security could not be achieved through enforcement alone.
“A safe and secure community is not built through law enforcement alone, but through meaningful dialogue and shared responsibility,” Kyalo said.
He commended the youth for their participation in efforts to curb insecurity, saying their willingness to work with police would contribute significantly to combating crime in the area.
Amazing Group for Persons with Disabilities Founder and Director Emily Juma said the initiative would be extended to other identified insecurity hotspots in Likoni and Kisauni sub-counties.
“We want to address the root causes of violence, rebuild the fractured trust between residents and security officers, and co-create localised safety solutions that work for each specific area,” Juma said.
By Joan Kinuthia and Philip Kipele
