Mombasa, Kenya| A troubling escalation in violent crime involving panga-wielding youth gangs in Mombasa and Kwale counties has triggered an urgent appeal from religious leaders and security officials, who are demanding immediate and lawful interventions to restore peace and safeguard residents.
The surge in gang-related violence—marked by robberies, assaults, and public unrest—has left communities in fear and prompted a unified call to action from religious institutions.
Speaking during a press briefing, Sheikh Juma Ngao, the National Chairman of the Kenya Muslim National Advisory Council (KEMNAC), led clerics in condemning the violence and criticized both political exploitation of youth and parental negligence.
“We will not tolerate this,” said Sheikh Ngao. “Let the law deal firmly with these young criminals. Any parent who defends them or politicians who use them for personal gain should face the law. However, justice must be served through due process—no extrajudicial killings.”
Bishop Dickson Masha of the Restoration Blessed Church echoed similar concerns, emphasizing the role of families in curbing the crisis.
“Parents must also take responsibility,” he said. “If your son comes home with a smartphone worth Sh100,000 and you say nothing, then you are part of the problem.”
The religious leaders also highlighted the deeper socio-economic issues contributing to the crisis.
KEMNAC Deputy Chairman Sheikh Abubakar Amin pointed to widespread unemployment and growing economic frustration as significant factors driving youth into crime.
He urged young people to resist the lure of violence, reminding them that such acts violate both legal norms and religious values.
“Crime is not a solution to hardship,” said Sheikh Amin. “Our faiths preach peace, dignity, and perseverance. These youths must be reminded of their moral obligations.”
These appeals come as security agencies intensify crackdowns on organized gangs, particularly in hotspots like Likoni and Diani.
Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno recently issued a stern warning to officers and criminals alike, stating that law enforcement would not allow gangs to destabilize the region.
“If the youth defeat you, you have no mandate to serve,” Nuno told officers, asserting the state’s commitment to law and order.
His statement followed a series of violent incidents, including a fatal robbery at a local supermarket and subsequent protests in Diani.
In response, police operations have been ramped up, leading to the arrest of at least 59 suspects involved in gang activity.
As the government and religious institutions rally to confront the crisis, there is growing recognition that a long-term solution must address not only security but also youth empowerment, economic opportunity, and community involvement.
Stakeholders are now urging a coordinated approach that combines firm policing with social reform to break the cycle of violence and restore stability in Kenya’s coastal region.
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