Residents of Mombasa are living in fear of attacks following the resurgence of criminal gangs after machete-wielding youths terrorised parts of Kisauni.
In one of the latest incidents, a boda-boda rider is recovering from serious injuries after his left hand was severed at the wrist when he encountered the gang in Bamburi Mwisho Estate, Kisauni.
Moses Chidindo, 33, was carrying a female passenger on his motorcycle when a group of young men armed with machetes confronted him on the Bamburi-Kisauni road.
“They attacked his left hand near the wrist when he tried to resist being robbed, as well as protecting his passenger,” a police report said.
Bleeding heavily, Mr Chidindo was rushed to the Coast General and Teaching Referral Hospital’s emergency department for treatment.
The case has been reported to the police and investigations are ongoing to arrest the attackers, who remain at large.
The resurgence of gang violence has left Kisauni residents in distress, with many voicing their frustrations at the lack of security.
“It is frightening. We no longer feel safe even during the day. These gangs seem to have regrouped and are now everywhere,” said Mohamed Musa Said, a trader in Kisauni.
He explained that the youth gangs, which seem to have no regard for anyone, have instilled fear in everyone, and most residents feel that the police are not doing enough to stop them.
Another resident, Samuel Tsui, expressed his concern, saying that many parents fear for the safety of their children, who will be at home for nearly two months as schools are closed.
“What happens to our children? It means they are not safe out there because these gangs do not care. They rob and even inflict injuries on anyone they encounter on the road,” he said.
The Kisauni resident has called on security agencies to act swiftly to not only contain the gang but also arrest anyone found causing insecurity in the area.
Businesspeople who commute to Kongowea market in the morning to buy food items for resale have also expressed fears for their safety as the gang mostly strikes in the morning.
“We must wake up early in the morning to go for vegetables in the market. How safe are we if these gangs are left free to attack and rob people? This is our only source of livelihood, and we need protection so that we can continue our business without harassment,” said Ms Seline Wambui.
“Today, it was Chidindo who was attacked and seriously injured. We do not know who will be next. This is the trade that pays our bills, but every day we face the fear of being assaulted by these panga-wielding gangs,” said boda-boda rider Salim Mohamed.
Residents are now demanding more from the authorities to restore safety in their neighbourhoods and put an end to the escalating violence, which is likely to increase as the December holidays approach.
Three weeks ago, detectives in Mombasa arrested three suspects linked to the notorious gangs in connection with robbery, looting and maiming of several people in Nyali sub-county.
The three were arrested after they targeted people along Beach Road in Nyali and made away with their valuables. Two of their victims sustained various degrees of injuries in the brazen attack.
The gang moved along Beach Road, assaulting anyone they could before fleeing with mobile phones and other valuables. This attack took place at Mamba Roundabout at 8am.
Emmanuel Ogada, an online taxi driver, was among the victims who sustained serious injuries.
Mr Ogada was attacked while he was waiting for a customer and he lost two phones. The attackers struck him on the head with machetes and also injured his legs.
According to residents, the gang not only attacks and robs road users, but also targets business establishments such as hotels, where they break in and loot.
Residents have experienced a rise in insecurity over the past two months as youths, who appear to be no more than 25 years old, pose as couriers to prey on unsuspecting victims.
The gangs are organised into various groups with names such as Wakali Wao, Wakali Kwanza, Wajukuu Wa Bibi, Young Thugs and many others, comprising youths as young as 14.
They operate in Kisauni, Nyali and Likoni sub-counties as well as in Old Town within Mombasa City.
These youths loot near shopping malls on Mwembe Tayari, Haile Selassie, Digo, Moi Avenue, Jomo Kenyatta and Dedan Kimathi streets.
They identify their targets, pounce on them and snatch valuables such as mobile phones and bags before disappearing.
In an interview with Nation.Africa , Mombasa County Commissioner Mohamed Noor said that security agencies are currently conducting a major crackdown to apprehend the gang.
He said more than 700 suspected criminals have been arrested in Likoni, Kisauni, Nyali and within the city over the past month, with more crackdowns expected in the coming weeks.
“We have organised a series of major operations in these areas to flush out these criminal gangs. The recent Kisauni incident is just one of the isolated cases, but I assure you that we have taken serious measures to deal with the criminals,” said Mr Noor.
The county commissioner said that security agencies are vigilant to ensure that Mombasa remains safe for both locals and visitors.
