By Nuru Salim.
Security agencies in Diani have been directed to take immediate action against criminal gangs terrorizing residents and businesses in the region.
Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno has called for urgent enforcement measures to curb the growing insecurity, warning that perpetrators will face the full force of the law.
This is however the daily chorus that security officials have continued to sing day in day out with locals continuing to suffer in the hands of juvenile gangs.
Speaking during a high-level security meeting in Diani, Nuno emphasized that authorities have engaged with youth in the area for a long time regarding security concerns, but it is now time for decisive action.
“We have talked for too long about insecurity and the need to maintain peace, but now it is time for action. We already have the names of those involved, and I am instructing the security agencies in Diani to move swiftly and act on them. Justice delayed is justice denied,” he stated.
He noted that recent violence, including the killing of Mr. Juma Matumizi that sparked the Diani unrest, should serve as a warning to other criminal elements that law enforcement will not tolerate lawlessness.
In Likoni, he said that 100 suspected members of the notorious “Panga Boys” gang had voluntarily surrendered to the police, acknowledging their involvement in criminal activities.
While urging Diani youth to follow suit, he said that police are ready to provide solutions for those willing to abandon crime.
Nuno further warned that security officials would not allow external gangs from Likoni and Lunga Lunga to infiltrate Diani and cause unrest.
He called on all security departments, including the County Commander, Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), and the Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD), to ensure that criminal activities are eradicated.
He also blamed poor parenting as a major contributor to the rise of youth crime, stating that parents who fail to discipline their children must also be held accountable.
“Parents should stop shielding their children when they engage in crime. I am instructing security agencies to take action against parents whose children are found to be part of criminal gangs. We must take responsibility as a society because we are slowly destroying the reputation of Ukunda,” he remarked.
Dismissing claims that unemployment is fueling crime, Nuno pointed out that multiple job opportunities are available in the region, including digital employment, Dongo Kundu’s Special Economic Zone, and the affordable housing projects. He challenged young people to seize these opportunities instead of resorting to criminal activities.
“This issue must be resolved, and we will work closely with Diani’s security agencies to ensure that criminal networks are dismantled,” he said.
Residents and community leaders welcomed the tough stance, calling for swift action to ensure lasting peace in Diani.
Msambweni member of parliament Feisal Badar said that time has come for the problem to be dealt with once and for all.
“It is time to address the issues of juvenile gangs decisively and once and for all these gangs must either change their ways or face the full force of the law.
He said that criminals cannot be allowed to disrupt peace and security in the community any longer.
“We must mope up those criminal elements who have been terrorising business people and locals in Diani,” said the MP.
Hundreds of locals in Diani are either nursing injuries or cut off hands by the juvenile gangs with others losing valuable items to the gangs.
Additional information by Alloys Musyoka
