MOMBASA, Kenya – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has clarified that a recent robbery involving a foreign tourist in Mombasa was a case of “ordinary street crime” and not an attack by the notorious gangs known as “panga boys,” as earlier reported.
During a press briefing on Monday, Murkomen addressed the incident, which occurred as tourists disembarked from the MS Crystal Symphony at the Mapembeni area.
He confirmed that a lone thief snatched a mobile phone from a foreign visitor, but refuted the sensationalized claims of gang involvement.
“There was a single tourist robbed of a mobile phone, but this was not a gang-related incident as some had suggested,” Murkomen stated.
He attributed the confusion to a lack of coordination among government agencies, further stating, “What was reported as an attack by armed gangs was a false alarm. It was a typical case of pickpocketing by a street criminal.”
Murkomen acknowledged the role of the media in amplifying the incident but commended their efforts in focusing on national security interests.
“The situation was not as serious as it was portrayed,” he said, urging the public to remain calm and avoid the spread of misinformation that could damage Kenya’s tourism image.
Mombasa’s County Commissioner Mohamed Noor responded promptly to the incident, announcing plans to set up a new police post in the Mapembeni area to increase security for tourists.
“We have made arrests and are working to apprehend other suspects. Our focus is to ensure the safety of visitors and locals alike,” Noor said, emphasizing that the coast remains a welcoming destination, especially as the Easter holiday season approaches.
Acting Mombasa County Police Commander Maxwell Agoro also confirmed the swift response of law enforcement.
“So far, we have arrested 127 street youths involved in petty crimes,” Agoro added, noting the ongoing effort to boost police patrols across both urban and rural areas to maintain public safety.
The incident has raised concerns about street crime in Mombasa, but authorities are working to reassure both residents and tourists that security is being reinforced.
Officials have urged the public to stay informed through reliable sources to avoid unnecessary panic and protect the country’s thriving tourism industry.
