Malindi police arrest 42 suspected gang members in security sweep
In the raid, officers also recovered 14 mobile phones believed to have been stolen, allegedly found in the possession of a suspect identified as Ahmed Ali.
Police in Malindi, Kilifi County, have arrested 42 suspected members of criminal gangs during a security sweep carried out in the neighbourhoods of Karima, Soweto, Milano and Mgandini.
According to the authorities, the operation led to the capture of 11 individuals linked to the notorious Wakali Mwisho gang, alongside five women accused of disorderly conduct.
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The crackdown followed a recent visit to the area by Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno, who urged officers to intensify efforts against the gangs said to be harassing residents.
In the raid, officers also recovered 14 mobile phones believed to have been stolen, allegedly found in the possession of a suspect identified as Ahmed Ali.
Police say the groups, including those calling themselves Mawoza, have been undermining peace and security in the town, where criminal gangs have increasingly targeted locals with theft and violent attacks.
The security department has vowed to continue pursuing the gangs in the popular tourist destination, in a bid to restore calm and protect the community from further harassment.
Six days ago, more than 350 suspected members of the group known locally as Mawoza were nabbed.
Malindi Sub-County Police Commander, Moses Kosgei, condemned some parents for shielding offenders, warning that those aiding criminal activity would not evade the law.
He further revealed that the gangs had turned to social media to intimidate residents and tourists, urging politicians to back the operation through genuine political goodwill.
On his part, the Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro voiced concern that escalating insecurity could harm the region’s tourism sector.
He announced that the county would roll out job opportunities for young people, including Kazi Mtaani and street clean-up initiatives, to provide alternatives to crime.
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