Interior CS Murkomen clarifies robbery incident targeting tourist involved lone criminal, not gangs
Murkomen clarified that the incident, which occurred during the arrival of tourists onboard MS Crystal Symphony at Mapembeni area, involved a lone street criminal who snatched a mobile phone from a foreign visitor.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has confirmed a robbery incident where a tourist was mugged in Mombasa, but dismissed claims that gangs of armed youths commonly referred to as “panga boys” were involved.
Speaking on Monday in Mombasa, where he kicked off his six-day coastal counties tour, Murkomen clarified that the incident, which occurred during the arrival of tourists onboard MS Crystal Symphony at Mapembeni area, involved a lone street criminal who snatched a mobile phone from a foreign visitor.
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“There was one tourist who was robbed of a mobile phone, but it was not a gang as people claimed,” said Murkomen.
He attributed the public alarm to "poor coordination" between government agencies. “There was a slight lapse in coordination between the police unit responsible for tourism affairs,” he said.
“What I’m saying is a false alarm is the claim that tourists were attacked by gangs wielding pangas. That was not the case.”
Murkomen further noted that the incident was exaggerated, calling it a case of ordinary street crime.
Cabinet Secretary for Interior Kipchumba Murkomen during a press briefing in Mombasa on April 7, 2025. (Farhiya Hussein)
“It was just a case of usual pickpockets and thieves who try to steal from tourists. Of course, we don’t want such incidents to happen,” he said.
“I want to appreciate the media houses that carried the stories with national interests at heart. The situation was not at the scale that was sensationalised.”
Following the incident, Mombasa County Commissioner Mohamed Noor announced that a police post would be established in the Mapembeni area to enhance security in tourist hotspots.
“We have made arrests and are rounding up other suspects. Security measures are being strengthened across the coast to ensure the safety of both visitors and residents,” Noor stated.
He reiterated that the Coast remains a safe and welcoming destination, particularly ahead of the Easter holiday season.
Acting Mombasa County Police Commander Maxwell Agoro also confirmed the robbery and said authorities acted swiftly.
“So far, 127 street youths have been arrested and are facing various charges,” Agoro said. “We are increasing police patrols in both urban centres and remote areas to maintain peace and safety.”
Officials have urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation that could damage the country’s tourism image.
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