Leaders in Mombasa County have called on the county government to take stern action against notorious criminal gangs terrorizing residents and visitors in the Coast region.
Kisauni MP Rashid Bedzimba said the knife-wielding young criminal groups are to blame for the rise in crime in the county, as they disrupt peace and intimidate people.
Mr Bedzimba further said that residents were willing to help police combat crime, but accused some of the officers of frustrating the efforts to curb the vice.
“Police need to give residents incentives In a bid to encourage them to cooperate. This region has become prone to numerous attacks by criminal gangs. Insecurity has crippled the tourism industry in Mombasa,” said Bedzimba.
Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir who was also present during the function in Mombasa Town, said members of the public are fed up with how the police are combating insecurity in the area.
Mr Nassir blamed parents and guardians for the rise in the number of youth being involved in criminal activities, saying parents and guardians are defending children who are involved in crime by failing to report them.
“Residents are increasingly frustrated by the inability of the police to maintain law and order. I am also fed up with the way security is being tackled,” said Mr Nassir.
Mombasa County Commissioner Maalim Mohamed on his part said the government has provided adequate resources needed in the fight against crime in the area.
“The security agencies will deal with the notorious gangs that have been giving locals sleepless nights. I want to assure the residents of their safety,” said Maalim.