DCI dismisses 'gangsters paradise' claims, assures heightened security in Coast region

The Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Mohamed Amin, has dismissed recent claims that Kenya is becoming a "gangsters' paradise", assuring the public of heightened security measures in the coastal region during the Easter holiday and beyond.

Speaking in Mombasa during a tour of key landmarks, including Fort Jesus, the iconic Mombasa Tusks, and Mama Ngina Waterfront, Amin affirmed that the security situation across the coastal counties remains stable, with residents and tourists conducting their business without fear or disruption.

"I came here yesterday to check the security arrangement within the Coast region over the Easter season. The purpose is to ensure that Kenyans enjoy Easter festivities in a secure and safe environment,” said Amin.

He noted that he had reviewed security preparedness and operational orders with his officers and expressed satisfaction with the state of readiness.

"I am convinced that we are fully prepared to ensure the security of our people, from Kiunga to Vanga and Taita Taveta," he said.

The DCI boss said that tactical and anti-terror units had been deployed along borders, and a large-scale crackdown on drugs and psychotropic substances was ongoing.

In response to media reports labelling Kenya as a “gangsters’ paradise”, Amin said the description was both misleading and harmful.

"The prevailing security in Kenya is a boost of confidence to investors. Saying Kenya is a gangster’s paradise is a paradox. Our officers have done incredibly well to secure the country. This kind of description does not reflect the reality on the ground and should not be entertained,” he said.

He called on the media to highlight factual and positive stories, urging journalists to focus on issues that reflect the country’s true security situation.

Touching on political matters, Amin addressed the concerns raised by the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua regarding his personal safety.

"If the former DP has an issue concerning threats to his life or property, any report will be addressed and investigated fully. He should report the matter to the nearest police station and stop the media theatrics," he said, adding that the issue had already been addressed by the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.

On the recent femicide case in Likoni, where a woman’s dismembered body was discovered, Amin confirmed progress in the investigations.

"I dispatched a team from the Homicide Department, and we have had a major breakthrough with the arrest of two suspects. They will be taken to court very soon."

Regarding the controversial allegations of organ harvesting linked to Mediheal Group of Hospitals, Amin assured the public that the matter was under thorough investigation.

"We are taking the investigations as a serious matter and we will ensure we unravel the mystery surrounding the organ harvesting claims," he said.

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• gangsters' paradise
• Gachagua security
• Easter season
• DCI dismisses 'gangsters paradise' claims
• assures heightened security in Coast region

He also addressed public concern over cases of missing persons, stating that while the DCI treats all such cases seriously, some disappearances were linked to personal issues such as love triangles.

"We have no challenge in investigating missing persons, but we have seen some victims running away from their loved ones or their parents," he noted.

Amin urged the public to continue cooperating with security agencies and to report any suspicious activity through the appropriate legal channels.