Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered the security agencies in the coastal region to intensify crackdown on criminal networks and ensure the rule of law prevails.

Murkomen vowed the days of criminal gangs tormenting residents and tourists in the coastal region are over and that the security agencies should deal with any crime swiftly. He ordered the law enforcement agencies to launch a crackdown on criminals, their handlers, sponsors and facilitators to curb crime and improve the general security situation.

Murkomen said the police should leave no stone unturned in flushing out all criminals and dismantling drug and human trafficking syndicates and ensure a congenial atmosphere where the rule of law prevails.

The principal secretary accompanied by Principal Secretary for Ministry of Interior and National Administration Raymond Omollo, PS  for Immigration Belio Kipsang, Coast Regional Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha and Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno is on a weeklong tour of the coastal counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, Taita Taveta and Tana River to assess the security situation.

The security minister said the tour dubbed ‘Jukwaa la Usalama Pwani Edition’ among other things seeks to gauge the level of disaster preparedness in the face of climate-induced changes, get feedback from wananchi (citizenry) on the quality-of-service delivery and interact with the security personnel on the frontline.

The assurance of the principal secretary comes against the backdrop of attacks by machete-wielding gangs on residents and business premises in Diani Municipality of Kwale. The notorious gangs referred to as ‘Panga Boys’ have long been known to terrorise residents and tourists.

The machete-wielding gangs have unleashed terror in the various sub-counties in Kwale, with Msambweni and Matuga being among the most affected. He said already the intensified police operations conducted over several days have led to arrests, the recovery of crude weapons and the neutralization of several notorious criminal elements.

The minister has reaffirmed his commitment to securing lives and property and urged the public to provide timely intelligence to support the ongoing crackdown on criminal activities in the coastal region.

“Any group of persons caught engaging in criminal activities would be dealt with severely to deter others,” he said, adding that the national government is committed to having a professional and responsive police force.

Murkomen said that key security areas of focus include improved training of police, better resource allocation and the establishment of robust oversight mechanisms to enhance transparency and public trust. He directed the top security brass to ensure that the police conduct both foot and motorised patrols in public places such as tourist beaches, places of worship and shopping malls.

The principal secretary ordered the security agencies to combat the growing problems of drug trafficking and abuse in the coastal region. Murkomen reaffirmed that safeguarding the lives and properties of citizens and visitors and eliminating criminal elements remain a top priority. He promised enhanced security at tourist spots and assured security measures at all tourist destinations will significantly be strengthened.

“The safety of our citizens and tourists remains our top priority and we will enhance security operations in high crime areas and boost police patrols and set up emergency response teams to address threats promptly,” he said.

Murkomen said the police would need the collaborative efforts of the general public and therefore urged the citizenry to provide the security apparatus with necessary information to enable it achieve its objectives.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Hussein Abdullahi