By Governors Press Service
Kwale county Governor Fatuma Achani has cautioned youths engaged in violent crimes alias ‘vipanga youths’ to either change ttheir behaviour or face the long arm of the law.
This message came in the light of a spat of violent crimes that have hit Kwale county recently, leaving people dead and others fighting for their life.
For the past few months Residents of Ng’ombeni, Waa and Diani areas among others have been having sleepless nights with the police working hard to try and curb the vice.
Speaking during a tree planting exercise organized by Kwale law courts at the Kwale GK men’s prison, Governor Achani was surprised that most of the inmates were young men who would be making a difference in the society.
“I’m really surprised that a lot of you who are here are small kids,” she said.
She warned that youths involved in criminal activities also known as vipanga youths would not get any sympathy from the law, either change their ways or face the law.
“Where are those youth who attack people with pangas? You have to change your ways so the judiciary can see that you have reformed.” She said this after being informed that of the 442 prisoners being held the majority were youth.
Superintendent John Wainaina, the deputy commander of the prison said that more than 80% of the prisoners were aged between 16-35 and that the majority were part of the criminal gangs.
“Most of our ‘clients’ here are young men with their lives ahead of them. Of the 442 occupants, more than 80% are between 16-35 years.”
Kwale County Police Commander Stephen Ng’etich reiterated the police’s commitment to ensuring a safe and secure Kwale County by dealing with the menace accordingly.
