MOMBASA, Kenya — Human rights activist Hussein Khalid has raised fresh concerns over escalating insecurity in Mombasa, warning that residents and visitors are increasingly exposed to violent attacks as police struggle to rein in criminal gangs operating within the city.
In a statement shared on Wednesday, Khalid said insecurity in Mombasa had reached “unprecedented levels,” citing a recent attack in which a middle-aged man was seriously injured by panga-wielding youths in the heart of the central business district.
“Police in Mombasa seem unable to reign in on these gangs and hooligans,” Khalid said. “Every day all over the town, people are robbed, hurt and even killed. Communities continue to suffer with no respite in the offing.”
The attack, which occurred two nights ago, has intensified public anxiety over safety in the coastal city, particularly within the CBD, an area that hosts businesses, tourists, and major transport hubs.
Persistent security concerns
Mombasa has in recent months witnessed a rise in violent robberies, muggings, and gang-related attacks, often involving crude weapons such as pangas and knives. Residents and civil society groups have repeatedly accused security agencies of slow response times and limited patrols, especially at night.
Local traders say the deteriorating security situation is hurting businesses, as customers increasingly avoid parts of the city perceived as unsafe. Some residents have also raised concerns over the targeting of pedestrians and small-scale traders during early morning and late evening hours.
Police accountability under scrutiny
The Constitution places responsibility on the National Police Service to protect life and property and maintain law and order.
Khalid’s remarks add to growing calls for accountability from security agencies and county leadership to address what residents describe as a breakdown in public safety.
