Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced a firm crackdown on youth gangs in Kwale County and other parts of the country, vowing to hold accountable both the criminals and the politicians who are allegedly facilitating these activities.
His remarks followed concerns over a growing trend of night meetings, where individuals, under the pretext of helping the youth, are allegedly coordinating violent activities.
Speaking on his second day of the Jukwaa La Usalama Coastal Region tour, Murkomen revealed that security operations had been intensified to apprehend those involved in criminal activities, especially politicians believed to be fostering such illegal meetings.
“We have intensified security operations in the county and surrounding areas to apprehend those financing criminal activities,” Murkomen said after meeting with regional and county security teams. He stressed that the government will take immediate action against anyone perpetuating such activities. “If these meetings are truly for the benefit of the youth, they should be conducted in broad daylight. These nighttime meetings only lead to criminal acts and attacks by youth,” he added.
Murkomen emphasized that the primary aim is to ensure the safety of local residents and protect the integrity of the community. “Action is being taken, and we guarantee locals of their security. Chiefs, their assistants, and other security agencies are under firm instructions to deal with these criminal elements,” he stated.
He also highlighted the troubling reality that many of the gang members, such as Panga Boys, are young people who should still be in school. “These are young people who should be focusing on their education, not engaging in criminal acts. Our approach will involve multiple agencies working together to address this issue holistically,” the CS remarked.
Further, Murkomen stated his commitment to working closely with the judiciary to ensure those apprehended face justice and are not released prematurely. “When these criminals are arrested and released by the courts, they return thinking they are above the law. We will ensure the cases are water-tight and that they face full prosecution,” he assured.
