Author: Coast Times Digital

By Nuru Salim A morning commuter rush at the Likoni Ferry crossing turned chaotic after security personnel were overwhelmed by pedestrians forcing their way past the waiting bay gates. The tension erupted when a man jumped over the gate in a desperate attempt to board the ferry before it was officially opened. As security officers moved to apprehend him, another pedestrian attempted the same, further fueling the disorder. A senior security officer, witnessing the defiance resorted to using force, pulling out his security rod and caning the second pedestrian as punishment for breaking the rules. This action angered the waiting…

By Nuru Salim At least five people lost their lives on the spot, while two others sustained serious injuries in a fatal road accident along the Milalani–Shimba Hills Road in Msambweni Sub-county on Sunday night. The tragic crash, which occurred at approximately 10:00 p.m., involved a lorry and a tuk-tuk, which collided head-on under unclear circumstances. Confirming the incident, Msambweni Sub-county Police Commander Ahmed Hillow said preliminary investigations suggest that one of the vehicles may have been speeding or veered into the wrong lane, leading to the fatal crash. “The road is in good condition, but we suspect that one…

BY SHABAN OMAR  Police in the Kinango area have arrested 54 foreign nationals who were found in Gulanze village, Kwale County early this morning. The foreign nationals were believed to be ferried on a box body vehicle to Tanzania via the Kwale route. The arrest comes amid the surging cases of foreign nationals being trafficked in the region. Confirming the incident Kinango Sub-County Police Commander Jane Munywoki said three out of the 54 had already died. “At around 7:00 PM, we received information from residents that a lorry had dropped off individuals suspected to be foreign nationals, and we moved…

BY SHABAN OMAR  A section of Wamasa and Nyango B villagers in Kinango sub-county, Kwale County, has raised concerns over the rising cases of insecurity in their area. The residents claim that unknown individuals frequently visit their villages, set up temporary camps, and are suspected of engaging in criminal activities. According to Peter Kisenga, a long-time resident, livestock theft has become rampant, with goats and cows disappearing regularly. He lamented that the community has suffered big losses, and the trend is worsening. Kisenga strongly believes that the mysterious visitors are behind the crimes, as their presence often coincides with increased…

By Nuru Salim The Judiciary has intensified efforts to bridge the gap between the justice system and the public by educating citizens on legal processes, access to justice, and service provision. Through an initiative called Bonga na Judiciary, Msambweni Law Courts hosted an interactive forum in Kinondo, bringing together legal experts, law enforcement officers, and community members to foster trust and transparency in the justice system. The event, organized in partnership with Youth for Sustainable World (YSW), a community-focused organization that empowers young people, aimed to clarify the justice system by addressing public concerns and clarifying legal procedures. Representatives from…

BY SHABAN OMAR Kwale County government is looking forward to having the Child Protection, Gender and Social Inclusion policies ready by mid this year. Speaking during the review of the two policies, County Attorney Salim Gombeni said the county, in partnership with various stakeholders, has made great progress in actualizing the policies. Gombeni said the policies are crucial in combating gender-based violence and child exploitation since they provide a proper legal framework for key stakeholders to work on. “Last year, we passed the Kwale County SGBV Protection Act, and currently, we are preparing these policies to back its implementation,” he…

Police in Diani are investigating the mysterious death of a woman whose body was found floating in a pond in Mwadaifu, Mabokoni. The body, believed to be that of a 36 to 40-year-old woman, was discovered by schoolchildren who were bathing in the pond before heading to school. Authorities and the Red Cross officers responded to the scene to retrieve the body. Confirming the incident, Diani OCPD stated that the body has since been moved to Mombasa Referral Hospital mortuary for further autopsy.

By SHABAN OMAR  Kwale County Governor Fatuma Achani has issued a stern warning to local leaders against inciting youth to violence amid the growing threat of juvenile gangs in the region. She expressed deep concern over the rising cases of attacks linked to the notorious “Panga Boys” gang, which she believes are politically instigated. Achani accused certain politicians of fueling the vice by holding clandestine meetings with the juvenile gangs and inciting them under the pretext of addressing unemployment. She noted that instead of guiding the youth toward productive activities, the leaders are exploiting their frustrations for personal and political…

By Nuru Salim Kwale county governor Fatuma Achani has launched a solar-powered streetlight project in Ukunda Ward, Msambweni Sub-county. Speaking during the launch, Governor Achani announced that the project will see the installation of solar-powered streetlights along Carrefour – Jacaranda Road in Bongwe-Gombato Ward and the extension of lights along Tandoori – Baobab Beach Road in Ukunda Ward, within Diani Municipality. The initiative, which involves erecting 65 poles at a cost of over KSh 9 million is expected to improve road safety, promote business operations, and uplift the living standards of residents. “This project is for the people of Kwale. We must ensure that our…

By Antony Zoka Leaders in Ruruma, Kilifi County raise alarm over increased vandalism of water infrastructure as Kibao Kiche -Masaani water pipeline takes shape. Addressing residents at Masaani village, during the launch of Masaani – Kibao kiche water project, Jimba Sub location assistant Chief, Isaac Mkando warned that stern action will be taken to whoever will be found guilty of damaging public properties. “As residents we need to work together in providing security to safeguard all the efforts being done to ensure the people of Jimba and Ruruma at large have access to clean water.” Said Mkando. According to the…