Police officers in Mombasa County have arrested 17 suspected criminals believed to be members of the ‘Wakali Kwanza’ and ‘Wakali Wao’ gangs.
The 17, who were arrested in Majengo and Bakistan areas, were allegedly found in possession of crude weapons like machetes and a variety of hard drugs.
Confirming the incident, Mombasa County Deputy Commissioner Salim Mahmoud said the arrested youth are between the ages of 12 and 26 years.
"The suspects will be arraigned in court to answer to charges of possession of drugs and attempt to commit felony,” he said.
A number of politicians have been linked to funding the operations of the gang, key among them being a member of parliament and a former councilor in Nyali, who are being investigated by the police.
The groups are suspected to be behind gruesome murders and violent robberies in Kisauni, Likoni and Changamwe as well as other parts of Mombasa County.
The gangs' leader, Mohammed Bakari, was killed last year after he was attacked and lynched by a rival gang.