Police to Intensify Patrols During Ramadan

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Police in Mombasa County have reaffirmed the community that it would beef up security ahead of the Holy month of Ramandhan.

Mombasa deputy county commander Dafala Ibrahim Dafala assured residents that police would intensify crackdowns in all areas of Old Town, Kisauni, Likoni, and Changamwe to eliminate juvenile criminal gangs.

“If we find you attacking someone, we will use our weapons. Parents must talk to their children. If they cannot control them, they should bring them to us,” Dafala warned.

He added that parents who fail to take responsibility for their children’s actions will be held accountable.

“Parents have a responsibility. If you are unable to tame your child, you will have a case to answer,” he said.

Dafala also assured residents of heightened security during Ramadan, especially during early morning prayers.

“We have both uniformed and plainclothes officers on the ground. Security is sufficient to ensure Muslims can pray safely,” he said.

Old Town community in Mombasa strongly supports the shoot to kill order by police on criminal gangs.

Area community leaders say rising gang violence especially by juvenile groups commonly known as panga boys has crippled tourism, trade, and investment in the region.

They accuse some parents of failing to take responsibility for their children’s actions and are calling for the arrest of parents who knowingly shield criminal suspects.

Residents pledged full cooperation with police to restore peace and security in Mombasa, particularly ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.

“They have destroyed tourism and trade. Investors fear coming to Mombasa. As a community, we told Ali Nuno that we fully support what he said, and we want it implemented,” said Alamin Somo, deputy chairman of the Old Town community group.

Somo led a delegation of community representatives to the Coast Regional Police Headquarters, where they met Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno to discuss security concerns ahead of Ramadan.

“We stand with the victims of these attacks. Parents must speak to their children. We cannot continue destroying the sectors that sustain Mombasa’s economy. As a community, we support the police,” Somo added.

Residents said the violence caused by criminal gangs cannot be condoned, noting that many people have lost their lives and children have been left orphaned as a result of the attacks.

“They should put down the pangas or face the consequences,” Somo said.Marriam Zubeir, a parent from Old Town, placed the blame squarely on parents who fail to control their children.

“Any parent who protects a criminal child should be arrested and charged together with them,” she said, adding that human rights groups should focus on protecting the wider public rather than defending criminals.

“Those suffering are many compared to the criminals. We cannot protect criminals at the expense of innocent people,” Zubeir stated.

Mikdan Abdalla, a representative of the National Parents Association, praised police efforts to curb crime in Mombasa.

“If a youth is involved in crime, there are laws. We support Ali Nuno in restoring peace. Many victims are students who lose laptops and phones, destroying their future,” Abdalla said.