This archive report was first published on 24 September 2019.
On September 21, 2019, Mombasa County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo addressed the public during the International Day of Peace in Kisauni, emphasizing the Government's commitment to maintaining Mombasa's status as a peaceful destination for tourism.
However, the reality on the ground paints a different picture. In the last two weeks, police in Mombasa County have shot dead four suspected criminals and arrested 306 others in a renewed war on crime.
One of the suspects killed by police was Abdallah Vumbwe, a 26-year-old released prisoner who was recently freed from Shimo la Tewa Prison after serving five years for robbery with violence.
According to police, Vumbwe was among 15 convicts jailed over criminal activities, including robbery with violence. His recent release has sparked concerns over the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs.
Commissioner Kitiyo has vowed to 'flash out all criminal elements, including the juvenile gangs,' and has called on the public to protect themselves by reporting any suspicious activity to the police.
He also challenged teachers to be vigilant and report any children who may be involved in criminal activities, noting that a group of teens between 18 and 14 years were arrested with weapons in Kisauni.
Kitiyo's comments come as police in Likoni gunned down a released prisoner and recovered two machetes from him, highlighting the growing concern over the involvement of minors in crime.
