The coastal region of Kenya, particularly Mombasa and Kilifi counties, is grappling with a surge in violent crime that has alarmed residents and leaders alike.
Through his official X account, Nyali Member of Parliament Mohammed Ali highlighted the alarming rise in robbery with violence, describing it as the “norm” in many areas.
Armed gangs, he stated, are terrorizing innocent civilians and business owners, with frequent reports of brutal attacks targeting local shops and mini-marts.
The post included chilling CCTV footage from January 28, 2026, showing an apparent nighttime assault inside a shop, where individuals appear to confront and overpower someone amid shelves of goods.
Shopkeepers, Ali lamented, are forced to fight desperately for their lives and livelihoods, calling the scenes “heart-wrenching” and an direct assault on commerce and community stability.
The popular MP urgently called on the Inspector General of Police and the National Police Service to intensify security measures, deploy additional troops, and launch a permanent, decisive operation to eliminate the threat. He rejected “half-measures,” insisting that coastal residents deserve lasting peace.
This outcry reflects broader concerns over recurring gang activity, including groups like the notorious “Panga Boys,” which have historically plagued the region with machete-wielding robberies.
Recent arrests in areas like Likoni and reports of intensified police operations indicate authorities are responding, but residents demand more sustained action to restore safety and protect vulnerable businesses.
Author: Bashirjuma
About The Author
