The operation led to the recovery of stolen motorbikes and several crude weapons believed to have been used in violent attacks.
The incident occurred on Monday, December 15, during routine police patrols targeting known criminal hideouts.
The incident occurred on Monday, December 15, during routine police patrols targeting known criminal hideouts.
Likoni has for years struggled with insecurity, especially crimes involving armed youth gangs that terrorise residents at night.
Likoni Sub-County Police Commander Joseph Mutungu confirmed the operation and praised officers for their swift action.
Likoni Sub-County Police Commander Joseph Mutungu confirmed the operation and praised officers for their swift action.
He said the patrols are part of ongoing efforts to restore peace and protect residents from violent criminals.
“I commend my officers for their dedication and courage. Regular patrols are helping us regain control and ensure safety for the people of Likoni,” Mutungu said.
During the operation, police recovered several items suspected to have been stolen from previous robberies.
“I commend my officers for their dedication and courage. Regular patrols are helping us regain control and ensure safety for the people of Likoni,” Mutungu said.
During the operation, police recovered several items suspected to have been stolen from previous robberies.
These included motorbikes, mobile phones, and a number of crude weapons such as machetes and slashers. Officers believe the weapons were used during home invasions and street robberies.
According to police, the suspects are believed to be part of gangs that operate mainly at night. These groups target pedestrians, homes, and small businesses, often using violence to force victims to hand over mobile phones, cash, and mobile money PINs.
Residents of Likoni say criminal attacks have been common in recent months, leaving many living in fear.
According to police, the suspects are believed to be part of gangs that operate mainly at night. These groups target pedestrians, homes, and small businesses, often using violence to force victims to hand over mobile phones, cash, and mobile money PINs.
Residents of Likoni say criminal attacks have been common in recent months, leaving many living in fear.
Some locals had previously complained about slow police response and limited patrols, especially in densely populated informal settlements.
However, security agencies say the renewed operations are already bearing fruit. Police patrols have been increased, and several suspects have been arrested in recent weeks, disrupting gang activities across the sub-county.
In the past, authorities identified several notorious groups operating in Likoni and nearby areas, including the feared “Panga Boys.”
However, security agencies say the renewed operations are already bearing fruit. Police patrols have been increased, and several suspects have been arrested in recent weeks, disrupting gang activities across the sub-county.
In the past, authorities identified several notorious groups operating in Likoni and nearby areas, including the feared “Panga Boys.”
These gangs were known for using crude weapons to intimidate residents and escape quickly after attacks.
Commander Mutungu urged members of the public to support police efforts by sharing information that could help track down criminals. He noted that security agencies have intelligence on several suspects who are still at large.
“We are aware of individuals involved in criminal activities. We will pursue them and ensure they face the law,” he said.
The police boss also appealed to parents and guardians to keep a close watch on their children, particularly during the festive season when schools are closed. He warned that idle youth are often lured into crime by criminal groups.
Authorities have linked crime in Likoni to several factors, including poverty, high youth unemployment, and drug abuse.
Commander Mutungu urged members of the public to support police efforts by sharing information that could help track down criminals. He noted that security agencies have intelligence on several suspects who are still at large.
“We are aware of individuals involved in criminal activities. We will pursue them and ensure they face the law,” he said.
The police boss also appealed to parents and guardians to keep a close watch on their children, particularly during the festive season when schools are closed. He warned that idle youth are often lured into crime by criminal groups.
Authorities have linked crime in Likoni to several factors, including poverty, high youth unemployment, and drug abuse.
These challenges are more common in informal settlements where economic opportunities are limited.
To address the problem, the National Police Service, working with local leaders, has intensified community policing programmes.
To address the problem, the National Police Service, working with local leaders, has intensified community policing programmes.
These initiatives aim to build trust between residents and law enforcement while encouraging information sharing.
Additional measures being implemented include increased patrols, plans to establish more police posts, and youth empowerment programmes designed to keep young people engaged in positive activities.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Interior, led by Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, held the first Jukwaa la Usalama forum in Mombasa.
Additional measures being implemented include increased patrols, plans to establish more police posts, and youth empowerment programmes designed to keep young people engaged in positive activities.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Interior, led by Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, held the first Jukwaa la Usalama forum in Mombasa.
The meeting focused on tackling insecurity, drug abuse, and youth involvement in crime along the Coast region.
Residents have been urged to remain alert, work closely with security agencies, and report any suspicious behaviour immediately.
Residents have been urged to remain alert, work closely with security agencies, and report any suspicious behaviour immediately.
