Rights group Haki Africa has called on the police to lift the ban on night weddings which was imposed on Sunday.
Haki Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid said security agencies in Mombasa should lift the ban on night weddings, arguing that the move was unconstitutional.
“It’s is not right for the community to suffer because of few criminal youths. We appeal to the police to lift the ban,” said Mr Khalid.
Speaking in Mombasa Town on Monday, Mr Khalid further said that security agencies should take action against criminal gangs operating in the coastal county.
He said that security agencies should deal with the gangs that are terrorizing and assaulting residents and visitors in the tourist city.
“Security agencies must tackle the ongoing gang wars. The police should use every strategy to disable, dislodge and weaken the capacity of gangs to operate in different areas of Mombasa,” added the executive officer, as quoted by Baraka FM.
County Police Commander Johnston Ipara on Sunday said weddings should not be held past 11pm since such events have become avenues for crime.
Speaking at Central Police Station, Mr Ipara said that the police will not allow wedding ceremonies to be conducted at night unless proper security arrangements are made by those who want to be issued with permits.
The ban was declared after rival criminal gangs from Majengo and Old Town resurfaced over the weekend and clashed before attacking residents who were attending a wedding in the area.