MOMBASA, Kenya — Rising crime in Mombasa has prompted a stern warning from Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno, who told criminal gangs, particularly the notorious Panga Boys, to “move out of Mombasa or else,” as authorities intensify efforts to curb violence in the port city and surrounding areas.
Nuno said gang members must either leave the region or face intensified police operations, including the justified use of force, as machete-wielding attacks, robberies, and violent incidents linked to juvenile gangs increase in Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale counties. The warning comes after a series of attacks that have drawn national attention and left residents fearful for their safety.
Security forces have responded with targeted operations in hotspots such as Likoni, Kisauni, and Mtwapa, arresting several suspected gang members. In recent weeks, police in Kwale County apprehended four Panga Boys suspects following a violent robbery in Mbuwani Village, recovering pangas and stolen mobile phones. Intelligence-led sweeps by detectives have also led to multiple arrests of individuals linked to machete-related robberies, a trend that has significantly contributed to the surge in crime in Mombasa.
Residents have expressed growing concern over gang activity, reporting attacks in broad daylight and intimidation in public spaces. The rise in crime in Mombasa has forced some businesses to shorten operating hours and increase security measures, while local communities fear for personal safety when walking along isolated streets or returning home at night.
Authorities have stressed that addressing crime in Mombasa requires community cooperation. Parents, schools, and civic institutions are urged to prevent youth involvement in gangs, as many recruits are very young. Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho called on coastal youth to abandon criminal activity and focus on positive alternatives, emphasizing that involvement in gangs threatens their futures. Religious and community leaders have echoed this call, advocating a united front against juvenile crime.
The national government has also stepped in to support security operations. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered nationwide crackdowns on organized gangs, warning that officials found aiding criminal networks will face consequences. Commander Nuno’s directive to the Panga Boys is part of a broader strategy to reassert law and order in areas heavily affected by gang violence.
Police have pledged to use all legally justified measures to curb violent crime, including firearms where necessary. Recent arrests and ongoing patrols demonstrate the authorities’ determination to reduce crime in Mombasa and restore confidence among residents. Community engagement remains critical to sustaining safety, and officials continue to encourage the public to report suspicious activity and cooperate with law enforcement.
Experts say rising crime in Mombasa is fueled by socio-economic challenges, including youth unemployment, poverty, and limited access to education and social services. Local organizations are working to provide mentorship and diversion programs for at-risk youth, aiming to reduce gang recruitment and violent crime. Analysts also note that Panga Boys and similar gangs often move between counties to evade police, highlighting the need for coordinated enforcement in Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale.
As crime in Mombasa continues to challenge authorities, a combination of targeted policing, community vigilance, and youth outreach is essential to preventing further violence and ensuring long-term security in the region. Residents are urged to remain alert, report suspicious activities, and support law enforcement in restoring peace and safety.
