By Nuru Salim
Police in Kwale County have arrested nine more suspected members of the Panga Boys gang in a sweeping crackdown that has turned the heat on criminal networks terrorizing residents in Diani.
The arrested suspects added the total number of arrests to 145 since the start of a crackdown operation ordered by the regional commander Ali Nuno.
They are Ali Bakari Mwakuzimu, Hassan Ayub Cheti, Mohammed Salim Said, Mwalimu Rashid Mwakuzimu, Omar Abdurahman Mohammed, Shukran Seif Bengiji,Ibrahim William Okoyo,Matano Rashid Mwahambwe and Rashid Mwalimu Raso.
The police recovered four knives, 11 pangas, one toy gun, 5 mobile phones,1 motorcycle, 1hacksaw,5 slashers, and 26 grams of cannabis sativa (50 grams each) from the suspects, items officers say are directly associated with causing unrest in the Diani.
“We have arrested 145 suspects so far. Out of these, 85 have already been arraigned in court facing various charges, including robbery with violence and being members of an organized criminal group,” said Lang’at.
According to Lang’at, out of the 145 arrested so far, 85 have already been arraigned and charged with offenses including robbery with violence and membership in an organized criminal group.
He added that the nine have been charged with unlawful assembly and incitement to riot.
Lang’at further issued a stern warning to parents and guardians of minors involved in gang activity, saying legal action will be taken against them for neglecting their parental responsibilities.
“Parents whose children under the age of 18 are found associating with these gangs will also be arrested for child neglect. This is especially crucial during the school holidays when many youths are vulnerable to criminal influence,” he stated.
Langat said that they have expanded their intelligence and ways to approach the gangs to effectively curb their operations.
