Juvenile gangs on the loose!
Lotiatia Kipkech Dcc Msambweni/Photo Caroline kahonzi
By Caroline Kahonzi
The Msambweni Deputy county commissioner has threatened to take strict legal action against residents who will be found providing refuge to unknown people ,terming the action to have led to an increase of criminal gangs in the area .
The warning comes as a result of a series of crimes committed by criminals from neighboring counties .
Msambweni sub county has been experiencing criminal acts committed by juvenile gangs despite police officers doubling up their efforts to enhance security in the tourism destination area .
Speaking to journalists after a security baraza at Babla ground Diani ,Msambweni deputy county commissioner Lotiatia Kipkech has directed chiefs,sub-chiefs and village elders to initiate “tambua jirani yako” program as a way of beefing up security in the area .
“ Security agencies in Msambweni have agreed to coordinate with all stakeholders at the grassroot level to ensure criminal suspects are brought to book especially those said to finding refuge at night clubs ,bars and local areas known as Mangwe where palm alcohol is sold , we have agreed to do a campaign that will eradicate criminals in our area ,”said the DCC.
Mr.LotiaLotia called upon parents to be vigilant.
“It was established that the recent three incidences committed in Diani the suspects who were lynched by a mob at Kibundani village are not known to Msambweni residents ,they are from neighboring counties and they are very young aged between 16 to 19 years ,I am urging parents to put a close eye onto their children ,”noted Mr.Lotiatia .
In another security meeting with fishermen at Canoe area the DCC emphasized the need for parents to take their children to school as required by law .
“Every child who is supposed to be in school should not be in the streets or doing child labour ,every child has a right to education ,if a child will be found roaming along the beaches ,streets or engaging in child labour practices their parents will be taken to court for negligence,” Added Mr.Lotiatia .
On her side Zaitun Bakari Semayote Maendeleo ya wanawake chairlady Msambweni sub county said there was need to empower the youth with skills that would secure their economic independence.
“No parent wants to see his or her child joining criminal gangs ,it is the joy of every parent to see their children excel, we should provide them with survival skills for them to run their own enterprises ,I guess this can be a good solution to insecurity,”Lamented Ms Zaitun .
Sheikh Hamisi Mwachirumu The Secretary of Kenya Muslim National Advisory council KEMNAC called upon religious leaders to join hands with security agencies in order to curb rising insecurity in the area .
About Author
