Surrender or face arrest, police caution criminals

Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno has given juvenile criminal gangs in Diani a one-week ultimatum to surrender or face the law.

Following a recent surge in attacks and robberies targeting residents, Nuno said a special operation is already underway to track down the culprits.

He warned that after the seven-day notice expires, police will systematically apprehend suspects from their homes.

“The clock is ticking. We know who you are, and we will not hesitate to track you down,” Nuno said on Monday during a security meeting at Jogoo Grounds in Ukunda.

His warning came two days after panga-wielding youths terrorised Diani residents in broad daylight, leaving behind a trail of blood and losses.

Nuno said police have already profiled the gang members and identified suspects involved in the chaos. He urged them to surrender at the nearest police station or get dragged from their hideouts.

“They must surrender before my officers come for them. It will not be business as usual—the era of gangs terrorising innocent residents is over,” Nuno warned.

He vowed that no gang member would be spared, adding that the special police unit will work closely with local security teams to root out criminals.

The police boss also directed local security agencies and community policing committees to ensure every offender is arrested and charged. Nuno criticised the area’s security team for failing to act decisively against the juvenile gangs.

“When I was here, security was good. When did things start to fall apart? If these young people can cause mayhem, then you have no mandate to be here,” he said.

Shortly after the meeting, Msambweni subcounty police commander Ahmed Hillow and Diani officer commanding station Edward Imana were transferred.

New police commanders have been deployed with clear instructions to crack down on criminal gangs.

NO STONE UNTURNED

Nuno urged officers to leave no stone unturned until the gang menace is completely eradicated, emphasising that law enforcement must act fearlessly and without hesitation.

The regional police chief also warned parents against protecting their delinquent children from arrest.

He urged them to take responsibility and engage in meaningful conversations with their children, especially those involved in crime.

“Anyone shielding a lawbreaker will be arrested,” he cautioned. Coast region head of police operations, Samuel Kobina, assured the public of intensified security measures to curb the rising gang problem.

He urged parents to report their criminal children before it is too late, warning that those who shelter them will also face arrest.

“This is no laughing matter. If you know your child is involved, now is the time to act,” he said.

Kwale county police commander Reginald Omaria said several suspects linked to last weekend’s violence in Diani have been arrested and are assisting with investigations.

He added that security operations will continue until justice is served. Omaria attributed the rise in youth crime to poor parenting and urged parents to instill discipline and good values in their children.

“If you don’t teach your child, the world will,” he warned. Msambweni MP Feisal Bader vowed not to bail out juvenile offenders, insisting that children in crime must face consequences of their actions.

“Diani would not be allowed to become a hub of insecurity. We need strict measures against criminals,” he said.

Bader also raised concerns that rising crime is disrupting tourism, a key economic driver in the region, and stressed that juvenile gangs must be stopped at all costs.