Kenyan Police Apprehend 177 Criminals in Mombasa Gang Bust

Kenyan authorities conducted a multi-agency operation on Wednesday, leading to the apprehension of 177 suspects allegedly linked to a gang responsible for organised terror in Mombasa.

The operation spearheaded by Mombasa County Commissioner Mohammed Noor aimed to curb the escalating crime rates and restore a sense of security in various areas within the county including Kisauni, Jomvu, Likoni, and Mvita. The crackdown comes in response to the community's growing concerns over their safety as criminal elements have left residents sleepless and anxious about their well-being.

Commissioner Noor recently suspended the distribution of relief food in the affected areas to prevent the suspects from exploiting these channels for criminal purposes. During the operation, law enforcement officials seized several knives and sacks of cannabis. Among the 177 individuals apprehended, 27 suspects were specifically taken into custody in Kisauni. Commissioner Noor has affirmed the authorities' unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security, stating, "The operation will continue until the county is safe."

The crackdown stems from a recent disturbing incident captured on CCTV footage where a group of approximately 20 young men orchestrated a swift robbery outside a supermarket on Haile Selassie Avenue in Mombasa. The victim, a pedestrian returning home after shopping, fell prey to their coordinated attack as the gang swiftly stripped him of all his belongings. In response to this brazen act, Coastal region police officers promptly launched an operation to identify and apprehend the suspected gang members.