This archive report was first published on 26 November 2019.
Published on November 26, 2019, the situation in Mombasa city has become unbearable due to the rise in violent attacks by gangs.
These gangs, often armed with machetes, knives, and other crude weapons, have been roaming freely and attacking people in various areas, including the historic Old Town, a major tourist attraction.
Residents and visitors alike have been subjected to the terror of these youthful criminals, who often take advantage of inadequate policing, especially in slum areas.
The problem has been spreading, and the upmarket Nyali suburb has recently come under attack, with gangs injuring scores of people in the past few days.
The authorities, particularly the National Police Service, must take immediate action to address the rise in violence against innocent people.
The gangs have been raiding homes, inflicting deep panga cuts on their victims, and even chopping off limbs in some cases.
What's more disturbing is that they have been branding themselves as '86 Battalion' in a crude parody of the military.
While some attribute the increase in crime to joblessness and poverty, nothing can justify the lawlessness and suffering inflicted on law-abiding citizens.
Mombasa is a crucial cog in the country's coastal beach tourism, which is a major foreign exchange earner.
The town has always been known for its hospitality, welcoming foreigners and other Kenyans flocking to its sandy beaches for holidays.
It's time for the authorities to get their officers to the ground in Kisauni, Nyali, and other residential areas of Mombasa to end this madness and restore peace and tranquility.
