Ukunda residents protest surge in insecurity, call for police intervention

Residents of Ukunda in Msambweni sub-county, Kwale County, are protesting the increased cases of insecurity in the tourism hub.

The residents fear the town will lose its allure if police don't intervene to curb the vice. They pointed out that the gangs primarily target people along Beach Road, Ibiza, Mvindeni, and Ajab.

Bakari Mwaramacheye, a resident, expressed concern that both locals and tourists can no longer walk freely along the beaches due to fear of attacks.

"Ukunda is a renowned tourism destination, known for its serene environment and white sand beaches. However, the recent surge in insecurity threatens to deter tourists from visiting," said Bakari.

He recounted an incident from December where hundreds of locals visiting Diani beaches were robbed of their belongings.

"Criminals often use motorcycles to carry out robberies, particularly along the deserted Beach Road in the evening, targeting both business people and beach workers," he added.

Another resident, Samuel Maina, claimed his wife was attacked by two individuals on a motorcycle while walking along Beach Road.

"My wife was returning home from work when she was accosted by two men on a motorcycle. They demanded her handbag, and when she tried to resist, they attacked her with a machete, injuring her hand before fleeing with her bag containing Sh15,000 and two mobile phones," he said.

Residents are urging the police to take immediate action to address the escalating insecurity.

"We cannot tolerate people being robbed in broad daylight, especially with a police post in the area. Incidents like the fatal shooting of a guard at a petrol station last December and numerous machete attacks have left our community traumatized, with no compensation in sight," said Rosemary Wambui, chair lady of Ibiza traders.

They also noted that businesses in the area had been impacted following the frequent break-ins.

"Many businesses are closing early due to security concerns, and some have shut down altogether. Without police intervention, more people will lose their livelihoods," said Mariam Athman, a resident.

However, Msambweni OCPD Francis Gachoki claimed that crime in the area has significantly reduced.

"We've only recorded one such attack since the beginning of the year, which occurred on the third of this month. An armed gang targeted traders in Ibiza, but thanks to the prompt response, we apprehended three suspects who are now in custody at Kwale main prison," said Gachoki.

He also criticized residents for their reluctance to testify in court, hindering prosecution efforts.

"While residents express concerns, they often refuse to testify in court, fearing retaliation. This reluctance undermines our efforts to bring perpetrators to justice," he concluded.