Rights groups urge caution as police tackle gang crisis at coastal counties
The groups urged law enforcement officers to avoid excessive force while addressing the increasing insecurity caused by juvenile gangs.
Human rights organisations HAKI Africa and Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) have called for strict adherence to the law in dealing with the growing gang menace in Mombasa and Kwale counties.
The groups urged law enforcement officers to avoid excessive force while addressing the increasing insecurity caused by juvenile gangs.
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In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the organisations emphasized that the police must operate within legal limits and respect human rights while tackling gang-related violence. They stated that officers should only resort to using firearms when their lives are directly threatened.
"The escalating insecurity situation has left communities living in fear, with reports of violent robberies and assaults. As human rights organizations, we stand firmly against all forms of violence and call on the national police to ensure the safety of citizens," read part of their statement.
The organisations acknowledged the severity of gang violence but stressed that holding police accountable for their actions should not be misinterpreted as condoning crime.
"Let us be clear that our call for accountability does not mean that we condone criminality. Anyone who engages in criminal activities must face the law. We want to send a message to the police that we support their work, as long as it is conducted within the law and their actions are proportionate to the threats faced," one of the officials said.
Call for arrests
HAKI Africa and MUHURI called for the immediate arrest of gang members responsible for terrorizing residents and demanded that they be prosecuted.
They also urged law enforcement agencies to act decisively but fairly in restoring order.
"As HAKI Africa and MUHURI, we remain committed to advocating for justice and ensuring that law enforcement is carried out lawfully and transparently. We call on the police to act swiftly and decisively to curb gang violence while upholding the rights of all individuals. Let us work together to build a society where security, justice, and human dignity prevail," the statement added.
The organisations further called for a collective effort to eliminate gang violence, urging parents, local leaders, security agencies, and other stakeholders to work together in addressing the root causes of crime.
The increased concern from human rights groups follows a directive by Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno, who ordered the arrest of parents whose children have been linked to the notorious "Panga Boys" gang in Kwale County.
Speaking in Diani on Tuesday, Nuno pointed to poor parenting as a key factor contributing to the rise of teenage gangs in the region.
"The problem is you, parents. Poor parenting is contributing to this problem. As the whites say, 'Spare the rod, spoil the child.' You have already spared the rod, so definitely, the child will be spoiled," he said.
In addition, Nuno warned senior security officials in the region that failure to dismantle the gang could result in their dismissal.
The rise in gang-related crimes, including violent robberies and assaults, has left residents in fear, prompting calls for urgent intervention.
With law enforcement and human rights groups both taking a stand, attention now shifts to how authorities will handle the situation while maintaining a balance between security and human rights.
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