Mombasa: Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered the security agencies in the coastal region to intensify the crackdown on criminal networks and ensure the rule of law prevails. CS Murkomen said the days of criminal gangs tormenting residents and tourists in the coastal region are over and that the security agencies should deal with any crime swiftly.
According to Kenya News Agency, Murkomen has instructed law enforcement agencies to launch a comprehensive crackdown on criminals, their handlers, sponsors, and facilitators to curb crime and improve the general security situation. He emphasized the need for police to leave no stone unturned in flushing out all criminals, dismantling drug and human trafficking syndicates, and ensuring a congenial atmosphere where the rule of law prevails.
The CS, accompanied by Principal Secretary for Ministry of Interior and National Administration Raymond Omollo, PS of Immigration Belio Kipsang, Coast Regional Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha, and Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno, is on a weeklong tour of the coastal counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, Taita Taveta, and Tana River to assess the security situation. This tour, dubbed 'Jukwaa La Usalama' Pwani Edition, seeks to gauge the level of disaster preparedness in the face of climate-induced changes, get feedback from Wananchi on the quality of service delivery, and interact with the security personnel on the frontline.
The assurance from the CS comes amid attacks by machete-wielding gangs on residents and business premises in the Diani municipality of Kwale. The notorious gangs, referred to as 'Panga boys', have been terrorizing residents and tourists with a series of criminal activities, particularly in the sub-counties of Msambweni and Matuga.
Murkomen reported that intensified police operations conducted over several days have already led to arrests, the recovery of crude weapons, and the neutralization of several notorious criminal elements. He reaffirmed his commitment to securing lives and property and urged the public to provide timely intelligence to support the ongoing crackdown on criminal activities in the coastal region.
The CS emphasized that any group caught engaging in criminal activities would be dealt with severely to deter others. He reiterated the national government's commitment to maintaining a professional and responsive police force, focusing on improved training, better resource allocation, and the establishment of robust oversight mechanisms to enhance transparency and public trust.
Murkomen directed the top security brass to ensure that police conduct both foot and motorized patrols in public places such as tourist beaches, places of worship, and shopping malls. He also ordered security agencies to combat the growing problems of drug trafficking and abuse in the coastal region, reaffirming that safeguarding the lives and properties of citizens and visitors and eliminating criminal elements remain top priorities.
The CS promised enhanced security at tourist spots and assured that security measures at all tourist destinations would be significantly strengthened. He stated, "The safety of our citizens and tourists remains our top priority, and we will enhance security operations in high-crime areas, boost police patrols, and set up emergency response teams to address threats promptly."
Murkomen stressed the need for collaborative efforts from the general public, urging citizens to provide necessary information to the security apparatus to enable it to achieve its objectives.