By Agnetta Okwemba
A sharp division has emerged among Kwale residents following the arrest of 26 juvenile gangs in Diani who are believed to be part of a criminal group that continues to terrorize locals.
A sting crackdown by police in Diani-Kwale county have managed to net 26 juvenile gang suspects between the age of 14-21 who have been terrorizing locals and traders in the area.
The man hunts for the “panga boys” who were posing insecurity threats in Diani kicked off on Tuesday night in the areas of Corner Musa, Ibiza, Kibundani, Bongwe, Millennium, Kiwanja ya Jogoo, Darad, Blue J and Kona ya Chief.
This follows any incidents of intermittent attacks by the gangs to the area residents that have left many victims nursing serious body injuries.
While others support the arrest and subsequent arraignment in court of the suspects, others point the blame to political and administrative leadership in the area for failure to take action and help the youths.
Deputy government spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga said that there is a need for a sit down and discuss the issue with hope of finding a solution.
She said that the looking for ways of dealing with the root cause and preventing further attacks and other children being recruited is very important
Paul Soita, a political activist said that those arrested should be dealt with ruthlessly for injuring and robbing innocent locals in Diani.
“We commend the police for doing their job. We are also requesting political leaders to desist from being approached by parents and relatives to help settle the matter,” he said.
He said that parents involved should not seek political support to have their criminal children released and instead allow the world to teach them since they (parents) have failed their part.
Soita also cautioned human rights groups against defending the arrested gangs saying when locals are attacked and left to die the CSOs raise no alarm.
“We cannot blame political leaders for parents failing in their parental duties. A child roaming about at 10 PM at night is not an MCA problem,” he added.
On his side professor Hamadi Boga has voiced his concern over the matter pointing the blame to the security system, county government and parents.
“The security system has failed resorting to extortion or parents. The county has failed. They have no clue how to tackle the problem., no strategy. Provincial NGAO has failed, parents have failed and are helpless. Wait until these juvenile gangs graduate from pangas into guns and then you will have a real war in your hands,” warned Boga.
Kevin Oloo blamed the community for hiding criminals instead of giving them up to police to restore sanity in the society like other areas.
“We live with criminals and still go an extra mile of hiding them from law enforcers by transferring them to other relatives just to help them avoid facing the law for their action,” he said.
The merciless juvenile youths armed with Pangas and other crude weapons have preyed on innocent Tuktuk drivers and passengers as well as walking home from work residents in Diani.
Tourists have also not been spared as many have had their valuable items taken as they walk around the busy Diani tourist town during the day and night.
The arrest of the suspected gang members will be a relief to the business community in the area who have suffered the most as they are forced to close their business as early as 6 pm to avoid being attacked.
The gangs who are armed with pangas attack residents by injuring them before parting away with their belongings.
According to Msambweni’s deputy County commissioner Joseph Mutisya, the gangs have been on police radar for a while now with numerous searches being conducted.
“The crackdown is ongoing. We want to assure that safety is upheld,” said Mr. Mutisya.
The gangs are as well posing a threat to visitors in Diani with security being a matter of concern in Diani as it is a tourists’ destination best known for its unique sandy beaches among other places of heritage.
Mr. Mutisya said that the juvenile gangs may be as a result of drug abuse and idleness.
The young ones have resorted to the use of drugs where they have small groups that loiter around aimlessly.
He called on parents to ensure they take care of their children through education and skills that can keep them busy instead of idling around.
Additional information by Alloys Musyoka
