MOMBASA, Kenya — Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno has called on officers across the coastal counties to take decisive action against criminal gangs and organised groups terrorising residents, saying their days of unchecked violence will be numbered.
Nuno made the comments while speaking at a security baraza in Diani, where he reiterated a firm stance against gangs whose activities have included violent robberies, assaults and threats to public safety.
“Increasing insecurity has left communities living in fear,” Nuno said, putting criminal gangs on notice that law enforcement will respond swiftly and resolutely.
“We are ready to tackle them. Those incidents will be a thing of the past.”
The directive follows a series of incidents linked to criminal gangs in Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi counties, where residents have reported attacks by panga‑wielding groups and mobile gangs targeting pedestrians and homes.
Police have previously been seen trailing a gang caught on CCTV robbing pedestrians in Nyali and have intensified operations to arrest suspected offenders.
“If I find you with a Panga, I will shoot you,” he said. “I have asked the police to use their weapons.”
Taming Insecurity At The CoastCoast regional police commander Ali Nuno has ordered officers from the coast region to decisively deal with criminal gangs attacking and looting unsuspecting Kenyans.#NTVAtOne @wangechimu
In response to the surging insecurity, officers in Malindi, Kilifi County, recently detained dozens of suspected gang members during a coordinated security sweep, recovering stolen property and mobile phones believed to be linked to criminal activity.
Nuno’s call for decisive action also echoes earlier moves ahead of high‑traffic holiday periods, when police beefed up security along the coastline and warned that those found with offensive weapons, including juveniles, could face arrest, with parents held accountable in cases involving minors.
The commander stressed that community cooperation, including timely reporting of suspicious activities, remains vital to combating organised crime, and urged residents to work with security teams to restore peace and safety across the region.
