Police in Mombasa have raised the alarm over the rising number of minors being part of gangs involved in violent crime in the County.
Mombasa County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo said the juvenile criminal gangs operating in Mombasa have been terrorizing residents.
Kitiyo on Monday said they will deal with the notorious gangs that operate in different parts of the county to commit crime, disrupt peace and intimidate people.
It also emerged that school-going children are joining criminal gangs and robbing innocent residents.
Kitiyo urged teachers to inform the police of school children who suddenly have money for luxurious lifestyles.
Residents were also urged to protect themselves when the gang members invade their home.
“I am not saying you take the law into your hands. If you encounter a criminal or they invade your home, protect yourselves then call the police to come and carry on with the remaining part,” said Kitiyo as quoted by standardmedia.co.ke.
The commissioner said last week on Friday, they arrested school-going children in Likoni while in possession of machetes and knives while another group of teens aged between 14 and 18 years were arrested in Kisauni.
Kitiyo said the rise in criminal activities has affected job creation for the youth in the county.
“Recent waves of insecurity have robbed the city of employment opportunities since investors feared for security as tourists were scared by reported crime,” he added.