Leaders in Mombasa County want the government to take stern action against notorious criminal gangs terrorising residents and tourists in Mombasa.
The leaders said the Wakali Kwanza and Wakali Wao gangs are to blame for rise in insecurity in the county as they disrupt peace and intimidate people.
Nyali MP Hezron Awiti said the knife-wielding criminal groups have been giving Mombasa residents sleepless nights.
Mr Awiti said it was not enough for security bosses to claim that the criminal gangs were being protected by local politicians eying seats during the forthcoming polls.
“Why don’t the security agencies go after the politicians who are bankrolling these criminal gangs instead of lamenting over their dangerous acivities,” said Awiti.
Speaking during the Labour day celebrations on Sunday, the leaders asked the security agencies to launch a major crackdown on criminals in the county and its environs in a bid to restore peace.
Governor Hassan Joho assured residents and visitors of their safety saying his administration will provide the necessary resources needed in the fight against crime in the county.
“I want to assure the residents that we will provide sufficient support to officers in order to provide security to the residents,” he said.
The governor urged members of the public to work closely with the police in order to curb crime in the area.
Late last month, 17 youth suspected to be members of Wakali Kwanza and Wakali Wao gangs were arrested after police officers conducted raids in different areas in the county.