Police in Kilifi County have apprehended four alleged members of the notorious “Panga Boys” gang during a raid in Mtwapa Township, marking a significant step in the ongoing crackdown on organised crime along the Coast.
The operation took place on Wednesday evening at around 7 p.m. in the Labour–Mtomondoni area, a hotspot on the outskirts of Mtwapa where the gang is believed to have maintained a hideout.
The raid was led by the Officer Commanding Station of Mtwapa Police Station, acting on intelligence reports indicating the gang’s presence. Officers found the suspects inside a makeshift structure suspected to serve as their operational base.
The “Panga Boys” gang is feared across Kilifi and neighbouring counties for violent robberies, muggings, and assaults targeting residents and business operators.
During the operation, police recovered several crude weapons, including three pangas and a small slasher. Authorities confirmed that these items were seized as evidence for use in court once the suspects are formally charged.
“This operation is a clear message that the National Police Service will not relent in dismantling gangs that threaten public safety. The weapons we recovered demonstrate the group’s readiness to unleash violence on innocent citizens,” a senior officer said at the scene.
The arrest highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing in tackling gang-related crime in Kilifi County. Residents described living in constant fear of attacks, particularly during the evenings, and welcomed the police action.
“We can finally breathe a little easier. These gangs have terrorised us for too long, robbing people at machete-point. We thank the police for acting swiftly,” said one resident who requested anonymity for safety.
Authorities said the operation is part of a wider effort to restore law and order in Mtwapa and surrounding areas. “Sustained surveillance and targeted operations will continue not only in Mtwapa but across the Coast region.
Criminal gangs will find no hiding place,” the OCS of Mtwapa assured. The National Police Service also appealed to the public to report suspicious activity promptly to aid ongoing security efforts.
Local leaders pointed out that the rise of gangs is closely linked to youth unemployment and drug abuse. They urged government interventions that combine police enforcement with social programs to address the underlying causes of crime.
Kilifi County has witnessed a resurgence of gangs in recent years, including splinter groups from “Wakali Kwanza” and “Wakali Wao,” which have targeted commuters, businesses, and tourists, harming the Coast’s reputation as a safe destination.
Security analysts warn that while police raids can curb gang activity in the short term, long-term solutions require addressing socio-economic challenges affecting young people.
“Raids and arrests are necessary, but to fully defeat groups like the Panga Boys, there needs to be a holistic strategy, combining security measures with job creation, education, and rehabilitation programs,” said a criminologist in Mombasa.
As the four suspects await arraignment, police have pledged to scale up patrols, undercover operations, and community policing initiatives to ensure Kilifi residents can live without fear and regain confidence in public safety.
