This archive report was first published on 11 August 2019.
On August 11, 2019, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i spoke in Mombasa after a meeting with Regional and County security teams and local political leaders, saying the government would intensify a crackdown to dismantle the criminal networks in the coastal region.
According to Matiang'i, there is a clear nexus between the recent Mombasa attacks and the movement of drugs in the region. He stated, 'There is a clear nexus between the recent Mombasa attacks and the movement of drugs in the region… It is going to be painful but we are prepared for that painful journey and these leaders have told me they will support us in enhancing security.'
At least 13 people were injured during the attack by the marauding gangs. Police have since arrested 11 out of the 13 youth suspected to have directly taken part in the attacks, with Matiang'i adding that a hunt is ongoing for the masterminds.
During the meeting, Matiang'i also expressed concern over some political leaders who are attempting to incite the youth under the guise of political mobilization. He stated, 'This time round we have to confront this issue head-on. I have raised very specific and very painful issues… Even if it means looking amongst ourselves within the government structures and security infrastructure we have, we are reorganizing all of it to address this problem.'
The meeting was attended by Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutambai, the Director of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) Amb. Martin Kimani, the Secretary for Internal Security (SIS) Moffat Kangi and Coast Regional Commissioner John Elungata, among others.
