Msambweni and Diani police chiefs transferred amid 'Panga Boys' attacks

A spate of attacks in Diani, Kwale County, by the notorious Panga Boys gang has led to transfers among the area's security personnel.

In a leadership reshuffle, Tigania West Sub-County Police Commander Robinson Langat has been appointed as the new Msambweni commander, taking over from Hillow. Langat was instructed to report to his new post yesterday.

Meanwhile, Coast Region Police Commander Ali Nuno confirmed that multi-agency teams have launched a major operation targeting the gang responsible for the attacks that have injured several locals.

So far, approximately 25 youths have been arrested as authorities intensify efforts to curb the violence.

Nuno, who was recently posted to the area, has been holding a series of meetings aimed at restoring public confidence.

Security operations have been intensified, particularly in Likoni, Mombasa, and Diani, Kwale County. Authorities have adopted a multi-faceted approach, engaging local elders and youth in discussions to address the issue.

Meanwhile, about 100 young boys have surrendered to the authorities, pledging to abandon criminal activities. In response, the county government has committed to absorbing some of them into rehabilitation programs.

Nuno partly attributed the rising insecurity to poor parenting, emphasizing the need for early intervention.

“Spare the rod and spoil the child. Poor parenting has contributed to these problems, and we must act before it’s too late,” he stated.

The latest wave of violence occurred when machete-wielding youths stormed shops in Diani, injuring residents and looting businesses.

The attackers were reportedly part of a group returning from the burial of 29-year-old Juma Said, who had been fatally stabbed, before they turned on unsuspecting locals.

In response, police have deployed additional personnel to contain the situation. Nuno revealed that detectives have already identified individuals linked to the recent attacks on Friday and Saturday.