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Ongoing multi-agency operation targets criminal gangs, street beggars in Mombasa

Suspected criminal gangs that were arrested during the ongoing crackdown in Mombasa County. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

By Farhiya Hussein | 29 Apr 2024

The Mombasa County Commissioner Mohamed Nur has stopped a private company's feeding programme for street families, citing the need for a review due to criminal infiltration.

A multi-agency task force comprising the Mombasa County Government and the National Police Service has initiated an operation aimed at clearing the streets of Mombasa of beggars, muggers, street families, and juvenile gangs.

Deputy Governor Francis Thoya, spearheading the campaign, expressed unwavering determination to address the escalating menace posed by these groups.

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"We have commenced an operation to remove all individuals loitering on the streets," declared Deputy Governor Thoya.

He underscored the urgent need to combat the rising incidents of muggings and robberies perpetrated by youths masquerading as beggars and street dwellers.

"We have witnessed numerous incidents where youths, disguised as beggars, ambush and rob people in the city," Thoya said.

Some of the youth suspected to be part of criminal gangs were arrested during the ongoing crackdown in Mombasa County. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

Citing a recent brazen attack near Haile Selassie, he urged street families and beggars to explore alternative means of livelihood, cautioning that loitering in Mombasa would not be tolerated.

"We are currently on the third day of the operation, with 280 arrests made thus far," Thoya said.

Repatriated

He issued a stern warning to foreign nationals posing as beggars, asserting that they would be repatriated upon detection.

“The message to delinquent youth has to resonate, you either halt criminal activities or face severe repercussions,” he said.

Authorities have assured to remain resolute in their commitment to restoring peace and security to the streets of Mombasa.

Some of the street families and beggars who were arrested in Mombasa County during the profiling process. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

With public safety as their paramount concern, the multi-agency team vows to leave no stone unturned in their efforts to cleanse the city of nefarious elements and ensure a safer environment for all residents and visitors alike.

The Mombasa County Commissioner Mohamed Nur has stopped a private company's feeding programme for street families, citing the need for a review due to criminal infiltration.

According to him, the programme has drawn street children from various areas, leading to incidents of crime like mugging.

He gave the order two days following the arrest of 150 suspects involved in the mugging of a shopper on Haile Selassie Road, which was recorded on CCTV.

Additionally, Mohamed instructed security committees to shut down all places where street children gather.