POLICE are on high alert as tension continues to rise in the tourist town of Diani, Kwale county, following a wave of violent attacks by a juvenile gang known as Panga Boys.
Over the past few days, the town, which is popular with international and domestic tourists, has witnessed a series of attacks that have left several people dead and others nursing serious injuries.
The gang’s brutality knows no bounds. They strike at random, sparing neither the young nor the old, according to residents.
On Saturday, panga-wielding youths terrorised residents in broad daylight, leaving behind a trail of blood and losses as victims were robbed of valuables.
Several businesses along the Diani Beach Road were forced to shut down as the gang went on a rampage, attacking anyone in sight.
Police fired in the air to disperse the youth and arrested some suspects.
Msambweni subcounty police commander Ahmed Hillow said the violence erupted after the burial of a 29-year-old man who had been stabbed to death on Friday by unknown assailants.
“The youth were returning from burying their friend when they launched a retaliatory attack and started assaulting people indiscriminately,” he said.
Hillow said security has been reinforced in Ukunda and Diani, with a multi-agency operation involving officers from the General Service Unit, National Intelligence Service, Administration Police and other law enforcement agencies.
During Saturday's attack, Brivian Simiyu, a journalist, was among the victims. Simiyu was ambushed near Cooperative Bank in Ukunda, a short distance from the Diani police station, as he was heading home from work.
“I was attacked by six youths who had pangas and blunt weapons,” he said.
In a horrifying moment, one gang member aimed a panga to his head. Simiyu instinctively dodged, but the blade sliced through his left ear, leaving him bleeding profusely.
“I felt the panga cut through my skin, and for a moment, I thought my life was over,” he said.
As he tried to escape, he tripped and fell, giving the gang an opportunity to strike. While he lay on the ground screaming for help, they beat him and robbed him of his phone, money and other valuables. Although some people heard his cries, they were too terrified to intervene.
Simiyu described his survival as nothing short of a miracle. He said the physical and emotional scars would take time to heal.
“I still can’t believe it happened. I saw death with my own eyes. They surrounded me, raised their pangas and I thought it was my last moment,” he said.
He reported the incident at Diani police station.
